Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026
05:35
Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management
Published on: January 19, 2024
1.9K
Anemia of inflammation
Elizabeta Nemeth1, Tomas Ganz2
1Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 37-055 CHS, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
|July 28, 2014
Summary
Anemia of inflammation (AI) is a common anemia linked to inflammatory diseases. Diagnosis involves low serum iron with normal iron stores, and treatment targets the underlying inflammation, with new therapies emerging.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Anemia of inflammation (AI), or anemia of chronic disease, is a frequent condition.
- It is characterized by normocytic, normochromic anemia stemming from underlying inflammatory conditions.
- AI presents with low serum iron despite sufficient iron stores (normal serum ferritin).
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate AI from iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
- To highlight the potential coexistence of AI and IDA.
- To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies for AI.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic criteria for AI.
- Comparison of AI and IDA laboratory findings.
- Analysis of current treatment approaches and novel therapeutic developments.
Main Results:
- AI diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping features with IDA, especially when both conditions are present.
- Serum iron levels are low in AI, but serum ferritin is not low, indicating adequate iron stores.
- Effective treatment of AI relies on managing the primary inflammatory disease.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing AI from IDA requires careful evaluation of iron status markers.
- Addressing the underlying inflammation is key to managing AI.
- Advances in understanding AI's molecular mechanisms are paving the way for targeted experimental treatments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
2.6K
Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
2.6K
01:38Inflammation
46.2K
Overview
46.2K
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
29
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The...
29
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
1.6K
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
1.6K
01:30Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
15.7K
The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...
15.7K
01:25Acute Inflammation II: Local and Systemic Effects
45
Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
45