Anemia of Chronic Disease

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Overview

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is a type of anemia that occurs in children who have ongoing health conditions, such as infections, inflammatory diseases, or chronic illnesses. Unlike other types of anemia, ACD is not caused by a lack of iron but rather by the body’s response to a long-term illness. The illness can affect the body’s ability to use iron properly, leading to lower levels of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While ACD can make a child feel tired and weak, managing the underlying condition can often help improve anemia.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of anemia of chronic disease in children include:

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy, even after rest.
Pale Skin: Skin that appears paler than usual, especially on the face, gums, and inside the eyelids.
Shortness of Breath: Trouble catching their breath during physical activity.
Weakness: Feeling weak or easily fatigued during normal activities.
Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or upset.
Cold Hands and Feet: Feeling cold in the extremities, even when the environment is warm.

Causes

Anemia of chronic disease occurs when a long-term illness affects the way the body uses iron and produces red blood cells. Common underlying conditions that can lead to ACD include:

Chronic Infections: Long-lasting infections that cause ongoing inflammation.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus that cause chronic inflammation.
Chronic Kidney Disease: The kidneys produce a hormone that helps make red blood cells, and kidney disease can reduce this production.
Cancer: Certain types of cancer and cancer treatments can interfere with red blood cell production.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing anemia of chronic disease in children involves:

Medical History: Discussing the child’s overall health, symptoms, and any ongoing health conditions.
Blood Tests: Simple blood tests to check hemoglobin levels, iron levels, and other indicators of anemia.
Underlying Condition Assessment: Identifying and evaluating the chronic condition causing the anemia through additional tests or evaluations.

Treatment Options

Treatment for anemia of chronic disease focuses on managing the underlying illness and improving anemia symptoms:

Treating the Underlying Condition: Addressing the root cause of ACD, such as controlling inflammation, treating infections, or managing chronic diseases.
Medications: In some cases, medications that stimulate red blood cell production or reduce inflammation may be used.
Nutritional Support: Ensuring the child gets enough nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that support red blood cell production.
Iron Supplements: These are generally not effective for ACD since the problem isn’t due to a lack of iron but rather how the body uses it.

Patient Success Stories

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care for children with anemia of chronic disease. Here’s why families trust us:

“Our son was diagnosed with anemia of chronic disease due to his ongoing kidney condition. The team at Gertrude's Children's Hospital has been amazing. They not only treated his anemia but also helped us manage his kidney disease more effectively. Thanks to their care, he's now more energetic and feeling much better.”
Jamesparent of a child with anemia of chronic disease

Living with Anemia of Chronic Disease in children

No, anemia of chronic disease is different from iron deficiency anemia. In ACD, the body has enough iron, but it can’t use it properly due to a long-term illness. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there’s not enough iron in the body.

While ACD itself may not be curable, treating the underlying condition can often help manage and improve the anemia.

Follow your doctor’s advice, manage the underlying condition, and ensure your child gets a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients. Regular check-ups are also important to monitor their condition.