Anaemia of Chronic Disease

Question 1

what type of anaemia is anaemia of chronic disease?

Answer 1

normochromic, normocytic -> hypochromic, microcytic

Question 2

what are the caues of anaemia of chronic disease?

Answer 2

• malignancy
• chronic infections - such as TB
• connective tissue disease - such as RA

Question 3

what is the pathophysiology of anaemia of chronic disease?

Answer 3

1. precipitates the formation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6
2. high levels of IL-6 stimulates hepcidin release
3. inhibits iron absorption as it decreases the activity of ferroportin
4. haemoglobin production decreases
5. anaemia of chronic disease

Question 4

what investigations are carried out in anaemia of chronic disease?

Answer 4

• microcytic
• total iron binding capacity = low
• ferritin = high