Differences between Anemia of chronic diseases and Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia of chronic diseases (ACD) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) share some similarities, but they have distinct differences: 1. Causes: ACD: Chronic inflammation, infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney disease. IDA: Insufficient iron intake, malabsorption, or increased demand (e.g., pregnancy). 2. Iron status: ACD: Normal or elevated iron stores, but iron is trapped in reticuloendothelial cells. IDA: Low iron stores, decreased serum iron, and increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). 3. Erythropoiesis: ACD: Impaired erythropoiesis due to inflammatory cytokines. IDA: Impaired erythropoiesis due to iron deficiency. 4. Red blood cell characteristics: ACD: Normocytic or macrocytic anemia, with normal or slightly decreased hemoglobin. IDA: Microcytic anemia with decreased hemoglobin. 5. Treatment: ACD: Address underlying disease, blood transfusions, and erythropoietin therapy. IDA: Iron supplementation, dietary changes, and addressing underlying causes. 6. Serum ferritin: ACD: Normal or elevated serum ferritin. IDA: Low serum ferritin. 7. Transferrin saturation: ACD: Normal or decreased transferrin saturation. IDA: Decreased transferrin saturation. It's important to note that ACD and IDA can coexist, and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. #Anemia