[Hematologic abnormalities associated with rheumatoid arthritis]

Anemia is frequently found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is the most common extra-articular manifestation RA. The majority of patients with RA have a mild normocytic hypochromic anemia which correlates with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and with activity of the disease. White blood cell counts are usually in the normal range or only slightly elevated. The differential white blood cell count is usually within normal limits. Eosinophilia and thrombocytosis are often associated with RA. Hematologic abnormalities of RA is correlated to the activity of the disease, and therefore the most important aspect of treatment lies in the general control of the chronic inflammation.