ANEMIA IN CHRONIC DISEASES: PATHOGENESIS, DIAGNOSIS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Anemia that occurs in infectious and inflammatory processes, non-infectious inflammatory diseases, and tumors is termed anemia of chronic disease (ACD). Despite the diverse mechanisms underlying the development of anemia in these conditions, a central factor is the redistribution of iron into macrophages activated during inflammatory or neoplastic processes. ACD ranks second in prevalence after iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Distinguishing ACD from IDA and sideroachrestic anemias is crucial due to their similar clinical-laboratory features, but differing pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment strategies.