Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD) is a disease that can affect a patient for various reasons. The symptoms of this condition are different from normal anemia. Researchers have identified a variety of causes for this condition, including infection, inflammation, or malignancy. The following articles provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of anemia of chronic disease.
Anemia of inflammation
Anemia of chronic disease and inflammation is a condition where your body is unable to produce enough red blood cells due to an underlying disease or illness. In the past, this condition was associated with infections like tuberculosis and syphilis. However, in recent years, it has been linked to inflammatory diseases, including connective tissue disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are now studying the disease in order to find new ways to treat it and find a cure.
The treatment for anemia of chronic disease and inflammation depends on the underlying condition and the level of inflammation in the body. In severe cases, doctors may use blood transfusions or administer other treatments to help the patient get back to a normal hemoglobin level. In other cases, iron supplements can be prescribed, but it’s important to consult a doctor first.
Anemia of chronic disease and inflammation is a common condition in which the red blood cells in the body are too low to carry oxygen to tissues. Chronic diseases, such as cancer, can also impair the production of RBCs. People with chronic disease and inflammation are at increased risk of developing this disorder.
The time interval between initial lab tests and follow-up visits for ACD patients depends on the severity of the disease. Treatment for the underlying disease often resolves the condition. Patients with suspected ACD may require further evaluation by a hematologist after discharge from the hospital. The laboratory tests will help to confirm the diagnosis of the condition and determine the appropriate treatment for the patient.
Other causes of anemia include noninfectious inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Hepcidin antagonists may be a possible treatment for anemia of chronic disease. Further research will determine whether these drugs can address the underlying cause of anemia.
Evidence of immune system activation
In patients with anemia of chronic disease, evidence of immune system activation plays a key role in the treatment process. A number of factors, including cytokines and acute-phase proteins, are implicated in the pathogenesis of anemia. These proteins alter iron metabolism and can influence the diagnosis and therapeutic protocol. Treatment options for anemia of chronic disease include erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
Proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic disease anemia. These cytokines are secreted by neutrophils and macrophages. Proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1b and IL-6 inhibit the synthesis of hemoglobin and others reduce bone marrow responsiveness to erythropoietin (EPO).
Activated immune cells in patients with anemia of chronic disease affect the body’s ability to utilize iron. As a result, the iron-binding capacity of red blood cells is decreased. Serum ferritin, a protein that is directly related to reticuloendothelial iron stores, can be normal or elevated. The presence of inflammation can also cause elevated ferritin levels.
While acute inflammation has a positive effect on immune function, chronic inflammation is non-beneficial. According to literature, chronic inflammation is marked by two to four-fold elevations in circulating cytokines and minor changes in natural killer cells. The immune system is stimulated by exercise, and regular moderate exercise increases immune function.
Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) occurs when iron is diverted from erythropoiesis and the circulatory system. The result is anemia in patients with either hypoferremia or hyperferremia. Several proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins are implicated in iron homeostasis. Several other factors are involved in the pathogenesis of ACD, including bacterial infection, chronic inflammation, and auto-immune diseases.
Treatment
Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is the second most common type of anemia in hospitalized patients. It can be mild or severe, and the underlying cause of anemia is often not known. It may be caused by dietary iron deficiency. Inflammatory cytokines trigger the production of hepcidin, a protein that inhibits iron absorption from cell membranes. Hepcidin also promotes internalization of ferroportin molecules, which block the release of iron from cell membranes. This protein appears to be directly inhibiting erythropoiesis, although the exact mechanism is still not known.
Treatment of anemia of chronic disease often involves treating the underlying disease as well as the anemia itself. While the symptoms of anemia of chronic disease are usually mild and temporary, the underlying disease often needs to be treated in order to improve the quality of life and prognosis. In addition to addressing the underlying cause, patients with ACD may need to make some lifestyle changes to lower the risk of developing anemia in the first place.
Treatment of anemia of chronic disease may include medications that target inflammatory processes, which can exacerbate the problem. Infections are often the source of anemia of chronic disease, but other conditions may also contribute to anemia. Non-infectious inflammatory diseases, such as celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and dermatomyositis, can also cause anemia of chronic disease.
While treatment for anemia of chronic disease may be difficult, a number of treatments can help to improve the quality of life of a patient suffering from anemia. Anemia of chronic disease is often associated with a poor prognosis, and it is therefore important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Treatment of anemia of chronic disease often includes treatment for the underlying inflammatory or malignant process. Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica, antiretrovirals for HIV infection, and corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis can help patients overcome anemia of chronic disease. The severity of anemia is closely related to the activity of the underlying disease process.
A number of experimental treatments are available to help patients overcome anemia of chronic disease. One example is the use of hepcidin, a cytokine that stimulates the production of red blood cells.