Anemia

Anemia is defined as a reduction in the number of circulating red blood cells, the hemoglobin concentration, or the volume of packed red cells (hematocrit) in the blood. In the laboratory, anemia is identified when a patient’s hemoglobin (Hb)/hematocrit (Hct) values fall below the lower end of a normal range of values for age- and sex-matched subjects. The likelihood and severity of anemia is based on the patient’s deviation from normal values. Women in their childbearing years normally have a lower Hb value by about 1 gm/dL than men of the same age, likely due to hormonal influences. After menopause, the gender difference virtually disappears.

The three major categories of anemia are hypoproliferative, maturation defects, and hemolysis/blood loss. The most common anemia in the United States is hypoproliferative anemia, which includes iron deficiency, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the inflammation-associated anemia of chronic disease, which is found in patients with chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, HIV / AIDS, and cancer. Anemia may be acquired (eg, through blood loss, inflammation, and malignancy) or inherited (eg, by patients with sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other hemoglobinopathies).

Anemia: A Hidden Epidemic

First convened in November 2000, the National Anemia Action Council (NAAC) is a multispecialty consortium comprised of nearly 30 leading physicians who are experts in identifying and treating anemia. Their specialties include hematology, nephrology, oncology, cardiology, critical care, rheumatology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, geriatrics, and surgery.

Based on scientific evidence, NAAC has identified anemia as a public health concern that requires concerted attention and action. One of NAAC’s primary objectives is to raise professional and public awareness of anemia, its consequences, and treatment options. NAAC is also dedicated to stimulating research and new therapeutic approaches to achieve better patient outcomes.

Written with the editorial input of a number of prestigious NAAC members and other anemia specialists, Anemia:

A Hidden Epidemic is designed to be an in-office handbook for primary care and specialty medical practitioners who may be seeing patients with undiagnosed anemia. In addition to providing a broad overview of the condition, the monograph contains chapters on the association of anemia with: chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, surgery, and aging.

Visit www.anemia.org, the official Web site of the National Anemia Action Council, to obtain additional copies of Anemia: A Hidden Epidemic and to access other scientific anemia information and CME materials.

“At least 3.4 million Americans have been diagnosed as anemic, and millions more may be undiagnosed or at increased risk of developing anemia.”

Anemia

Anemia is often underrecognized and undertreated.
Anemia is associated with many chronic diseases and other conditions.
If left untreated, anemia can have serious consequences.
Anemia can be readily managed by current therapies.

Anemia

The three major categories of anemia are hypoproliferative, maturation defects, and hemolysis/blood loss. The most common anemia in the United States is hypoproliferative anemia, which includes iron deficiency, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the inflammation-associated anemia of chronic disease, which is found in patients with chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. Anemia may be acquired (eg, through blood loss, inflammation, and malignancy) or inherited (eg, by patients with sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other hemoglobinopathies).