Prevalence of Anemia of Chronic Disease/Inflammation at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

Background: There is lack of data from India on prevalence of anemia of chronic disease or inflammation (ACD). Patients & methods: This was a prospective observational cross sectional prevalence study. Anemic patients underwent a complete blood count with peripheral smear, serum ferritin level, iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, vitamin B12 and folic acid level, reticulocyte count and stool for occult blood. Other investigations were performed as required according to patients clinical profile. Results: Three hundred fifty five patients were enrolled. A total of 109 patients (30.7%) had anemia of chronic disease ACD (30.7%). Sixty three/263 (24%) females had ACD compared to 46/95 (48.4%) males. ACD was four times more common in age group 80 years and above (56.5%) compared to age group 18 to 39 years (13.9%). Seventy two (66%) patients had mild anemia, 19 patients (17%) had moderate anemia and 18 patients (16%) had severe anemia. Diabetes mellitus (44%), hypertension (39%) and chronic kidney disease (25%) were the commonest underlying morbidity. Thirty six patients (33%) had no underlying comorbidity or cause. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia of chronic disease increases with age. Majority of anemia of chronic disease patients have mild anemia.