Anemia of Chronic Disease: A Misnomer
Authors: Robert F. Schilling
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1991)

Editorials1 October 1991Anemia of Chronic Disease: A MisnomerRobert F. Schilling, MDRobert F. Schilling, MDSearch for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-115-7-572 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptThe anemia that results from long- or short-term inflammation is commonly referred to as the anemia of chronic diseases or disorders (1-4). Use of this terminology is a mistake and leads to confusion in many nonhematologists. Others share my view. Hansen (5) wrote, "It is quite obvious that the name anaemia of chronic disorders is singularly inappropriate. . .". Many chronic diseases are not accompanied by anemia, for example, hypertension, diabetes, and emphysema. Further, many patients with chronic diseases have anemia but do not have the type of anemia under discussion. 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