The types of anemia can be distinguished from each other with diagnostic tests, such as acomplete blood count.
And the treatment of anemia is tailored to the pop in.
Often, the condition is first detected with a blood test, especially if the anemia is mild.
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Typically, iron-deficiency anemia occurs due to blood loss or decreased iron absorption.
Pernicious anemia is one of many causes of B12 deficiency.
Viral infections, exposure to toxic chemicals,autoimmune diseases, and certain drugs are among the causes.
NSAIDs have been tied to an increased risk ofgastrointestinal bleeding.
If bleeding is suspected, it’s important that the source of bleeding is identified.
Anemia of Chronic Disease
Anemia of chronic disease can be stable.
Generally,hemoglobin levelshover in aslightly lowerthan the normal range, not typically lower than 9.5 mg/dl.
In both iron-deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, serum iron is low.
But there are some differences in blood tests that can help distinguish the conditions.
Serum ferritin: This protein contains iron, and it should be low in iron deficiency anemia.
Ferritin can be elevated in the presence of inflammation.
With some chronic diseases, serum ferritin may be raised to normal levels, even if iron-deficiency anemia exists.
Serum transferrin receptor test: In iron-deficiency anemia, the serum transferrin receptor will be high.
In anemia of chronic disease, serum transferrin receptor is usually low or on the low side of normal.
Anemia of chronic disease is not treated with iron supplementation.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease.
American Society of Hematology.Anemia.
The Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation.Aplastic anemia causes.
John Hopkins Medicine.Hemolytic anemia.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Anemia of chronic disease.
Iron Disorders Institute.Anemia of chronic disease.
