Pathophysiology

            Anemia of chronic disease (ACD), also known as anemia of inflammation, is one that occurs in people who have conditions that lead to inflammations. These conditions may include autoimmune diseases, cancer, infections, and chronic kidney disease. In this type of anemia, one may have a standard or increased amount of iron that is stored in the body tissues (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2018). However, the level of iron present in the blood is low. The inflammation, in this case, prevents the creation of healthy red blood cells from the iron that is stored in the body tissues. This problem leads to anemia.

            Various mechanisms are used to identify the presence of anemia of chronic disease, including the occurrence of shortened red blood cell survival in patients with various inflammatory diseases. The other factors for identification are impaired erythropoiesis that results from reduced erythropoietin (EPO), together with the responsiveness of marrow to erythropoietin. Lastly, there is an altered iron metabolism associated with the disease (Braunstein, 2020).

Physical Examination and Diagnosis Findings

            Doctors may diagnose anemia of chronic disease through blood tests and medical history. On medical history, the doctor is likely to ask for any previous chronic illness that can cause anemia of chronic disease. Also, he or she may ask for the history of infections. Regarding blood tests, blood tests will be conducted in the laboratory to check for signs related to anemia of ACD (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2018). The blood tests are also useful for identifying the presence of any other cancer types or health conditions. Regarding the blood test, essential elements that are considered include the average size and number of red blood cells, and the amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells, blood, as well as the number of developing reticulocytes in the blood (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2018).

The pharmacological means of treating ACD is treating the underlying conditions. The treatment may include the use of chemotherapy cancer treatment or erythropoiesis for treating chronic kidney disease. For the specific underlying condition, the appropriate treatment is administered. Non-pharmacological treatment may include the following on the advised diet.  Regardless, doctors prefer a medical treatment for ACD (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2018). Treatment modalities still require more research since there are unknown parameters such as the appropriate treatment length, the development of resistance, and the risk of recurrence. However, patient education continues to be essential in prevention measures as well as the need for long-term follow-ups (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2018).

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References

Braunstein, E. M. (2020, March). Anemia of chronic disease. Retrieved from MSD Manual Professional Version: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/anemias-caused-by-deficient-erythropoiesis/anemia-of-chronic-disease

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018, September 12). Anemia of Inflammation or Chronic Disease. Retrieved from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/blood-diseases/anemia-inflammation-chronic-disease