Understanding Anaemia of Chronic Disease: Blood Tests and Values

What is Anaemia of Chronic Disease?

Anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) is a type of anaemia that commonly occurs in people with chronic illnesses like inflammatory disorders, infections, or cancer. Anaemia is a condition characterized by a lower than normal number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In ACD, the body has difficulty using iron to produce enough healthy red blood cells.

Blood Tests That Flag Anaemia of Chronic Disease

Several blood tests can help identify anaemia of chronic disease. Understanding these tests and what the results mean can be useful if you're trying to interpret your lab results.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The complete blood count (CBC) test measures various components of your blood, including:

• Hemoglobin: This is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. In ACD, hemoglobin levels are often lower than normal.
• Hematocrit: This measures the percentage of blood volume made up by red blood cells. A low hematocrit value can indicate anaemia.
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): This measures the average size of your red blood cells. In ACD, the MCV is usually normal or slightly low.

Serum Ferritin

Serum ferritin measures the amount of stored iron in your body. In ACD, ferritin levels are often normal or increased, unlike iron deficiency anaemia where ferritin is usually low.

Serum Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)

• Serum Iron: This measures the amount of iron in your blood. In ACD, serum iron is usually low.
• Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): This measures the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin, a protein that transports iron. In ACD, TIBC is often low because the body reduces iron transport during inflammation.

Transferrin Saturation

Transferrin saturation is calculated from serum iron and TIBC. It indicates the percentage of transferrin that is bound with iron. In ACD, transferrin saturation is typically low.

When to Consult a Doctor

If your blood test results suggest anaemia of chronic disease, it's important to discuss them with your doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause of anaemia and recommend appropriate treatment. You should seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or shortness of breath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anaemia of chronic disease be treated?

Yes, treatment for ACD often involves managing the underlying chronic condition. In some cases, doctors may recommend iron supplements or medications to stimulate red blood cell production.

How is anaemia of chronic disease different from iron deficiency anaemia?

While both conditions involve low hemoglobin levels, they have different causes. ACD is associated with chronic inflammation and normal or high ferritin levels, whereas iron deficiency anaemia is due to a lack of iron and low ferritin levels.

Can diet help with anaemia of chronic disease?

Dietary changes alone may not resolve ACD because it is linked to chronic illness. However, maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate may support overall health and complement medical treatments.

Conclusion

Understanding the blood tests that indicate anaemia of chronic disease can help you have informed discussions with your healthcare provider. Remember, any medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.