What type of anemia occurs with chronic disease such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis?

The type of anemia that occurs with chronic diseases such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis is known as anemia of chronic disease. This condition results from the inflammatory processes associated with these illnesses, which can lead to iron sequestration and a decreased response of the bone marrow to erythropoietin, a hormone essential for red blood cell production.

In the context of chronic disease, the body often has altered iron metabolism due to inflammatory cytokines that inhibit the release of iron from macrophages and the intestinal absorption of iron. Consequently, while iron stores may be adequate or even elevated, the iron is not available for erythropoiesis, leading to diminished red blood cell production.

Other types of anemia differ in their underlying mechanisms. Iron deficiency anemia arises primarily from inadequate iron intake or loss, megaloblastic anemia typically results from deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate leading to impaired red blood cell maturation, and aplastic anemia is characterized by a failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate blood cells due to various toxins or pathologies. Understanding the distinct features of these anemias highlights why anemia of chronic disease is specifically linked to conditions like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.