Revista de enfermedades infecciosas y terapias inmunitarias

Anemia of Chronic Disease in Patients

Matteelli Alberto

Anemia of chronic disorders is a condition that occurs as a result of a complex process involving cellular immune mechanisms, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and hepcidin that results in a decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte numbers. After iron deficiency anemia, this is the second most frequent kind of anemia in the world. Its severity is usually proportional to the degree of the underlying illness. Chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and kidney failure are all common coexisting conditions. Before beginning treatment, a thorough examination should be performed, which includes not only a complete blood count and biochemical markers, but also a determination of the severity of the underlying condition. The elimination of other kinds of anemia, particularly iron deficiency, is crucial in the differential diagnosis of chronic illness anemia. Anemia caused by chronic disorders is characterized by a slight to moderate drop in hemoglobin levels, a lower proportion of reticulocyte count, low iron and transferrin concentrations, but an increase in ferritin. The diagnosis of this anemia is constantly growing with new biochemical indications as our understanding of the path mechanism of chronic illnesses and cancer biology improves. Other hematopoietic factors (folic acid, vitamin B12), hepcidin, creatinine, and erythropoietin are among them. Supplementation with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, as well as a diet rich in the aforementioned hematopoietic components, remains the most basic type of treatment for chronic illness anemia. The mode of administration (oral, intramuscular, or intravenous) necessitates careful consideration of the advantages and potential adverse effects, as well as a thorough evaluation of the patient's clinical condition. New treatment options for both the underlying illness and anemia are reassuring. The new treatments involve not simply replacing deficits, but also administering medications that are molecularly targeted to specific proteins or receptors implicated in the development of anaemia in chronic disorders.