[Iron and inflammation]

Iron is essential for life. Inflammatory disorders cause iron metabolism disturbances resulting in very low concentration of free iron. Iron binding proteins synthesis have a central role in the decreasing iron reutilization for erythropoiesis, and in the increasing iron storage. Inflammatory disorders also induce inhibition of the erythroid progenitors. Synthesis and action of erythropoietin are also disturbed. All these changes are mediated by the activated cytokine cascade (TNF alpha, IL1, IL6...) that is able to induce anaemia of inflammation those clinical and biological characteristics are well defined. Soluble transferrin receptor concentration can help to identify iron deficiency when inflammation is associated. Management of anaemia of inflammation requires prior to treat the cause of inflammation when it is possible, even if human recombinant erythropoietin has been demonstrated to be effective.