Anaemia of Chronic Disease

Clinical Description

Anaemia due to chronic inflammation. It is characteristically a normochromic, normocytic anaemia but can also be microcytic.

• Common causes of anaemia of chronic disorder include:
• Malignancy ( e.g. Haematological or solid tumours),
• Autoimmune disorders ( e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis,SLE)
• Acute or chronic infections, e.g. HIV and TB
• Chronic kidney disease

Signs and Symptoms

• Pallor and signs of underlying condition

Investigations

• Full blood count, Specific tests to exclude causes , HIV test, Urea, Electrolytes and Creatinine, ESR, Sputum for GeneXpert, Chest Xray

Treatment

• Treat the underlying condition.
• Transfusion is seldom necessary.
• Do not treat with iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 unless there is a documented deficiency.

Complications and Referral Criteria

• Patients not responding to treatment
• Patients requiring further work up and treatment at tertiary centre