Anemia of inflammation, also called anemia of chronic disease or ACD, is a type of anemia that affects people who have conditions that cause inflammation, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Lab tests for anemia of chronic disease
- Hb: Hemoglobin gives red blood cells their color. The normal hemoglobin range is 12 to 17.4 grams per deciliter of blood. If your hemoglobin level is low, your provider may also check your erythropoietin (EPO) level. EPO is a hormone your kidneys make to help your bone marrow make red blood cells.
- Serum iron : Serum is a liquid part of blood. This test measures the amount of iron in your blood. The normal value range is 60 to 170 micrograms per deciliter of blood.
- Reticulocyte count: Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells. A low reticulocyte count may mean your bone marrow isn’t producing as many red blood cells as usual.
- Iron-binding capacity. This test shows if you have too much or too little iron in your blood. The normal range for adults is 250 to 450 micrograms per deciliter of blood.
- Serum ferritin : Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. This test shows how much iron your body stores. Normal ferritin levels range from 20 to 200/500 nanograms per millimeter of blood.
Treatment of anemia of chronic disease:
Treatment depends on the underlying disease that caused anemia.
- Blood transfusion: Providers may use blood transfusions as a short-term therapy to help people who have severe anemia. Blood transfusions aren’t a long-term solution, given side effects that include iron overload and risk of infection.
- Synthetic EPO therapy: This treatment boosts your EPO levels. EPO is a hormone your kidneys make to help your bone marrow make red blood cells.
- Iron supplements: Providers may combine EPO therapy and iron supplement therapy.