Anemia of chronic disease, sometimes referred to as anemia of inflammation, is a common extra-articular (non-joint related) manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anemia of chronic disease is the second most common form of anemia worldwide, behind only iron-deficiency anemia.
Anemia of chronic disease is characterized by normal or sometimes high levels of ferritin, the protein used to store iron, but low levels of iron within the bloodstream. This is believed to be caused by systemic inflammation triggered by the immune system. Anemia of chronic disease can be managed by treating underlying conditions like RA.
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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is commonly believed that RA affects only the joints, but in reality, it is a systemic illness that can affect the whole body, from the skin to the heart and lungs and other areas.
In RA, the immune system mistakenly identifies its own tissue as "foreign invaders," and sets off an inflammatory response that leads to painful swelling of various organs and joints throughout the body.
While there is currently no cure for RA, there are many treatment options available that aim to decrease systemic inflammation and down-regulate the body's immune system. The most commonly used medications for RA are known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which can lead to decreased disease activity and sometimes even reversal of early joint damage.
What Is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition in which the body has fewer red blood cells (RBCs) than it's supposed to. The role of RBCs, which are made in the bone marrow, is to carry oxygen throughout the entire body, nourishing organs and tissue, while also capturing carbon dioxide and transporting it back to the lungs for release.
While there are numerous different types of anemia that can occur, the main causes are typically due to excessive blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, or increased red blood cell destruction. Regardless of the specific type, the outcome is always the same: a lower than normal red blood cell count.
Without adequate gas exchange occurring throughout the body, the following symptoms may develop:
- Fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pale skin
- Feeling cold
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
Identifying the root cause of anemia is critical to selecting the right treatment plan. Various autoimmune illnesses, cancer, chronic infections, and chronic kidney diseases are just a few of the conditions that can cause anemia.
Figuring out why a person's red blood count is low will ultimately determine how to bring their numbers back up.
How Are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anemia Connected?
It has long been known that inflammation can wreak havoc on the body, and this includes the way in which red blood cells are produced, stored, and ultimately destroyed.
While iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia in the world, in patients with RA, anemia of chronic disease is dominant.
Different Forms of Anemia Associated With RA
Some forms of anemia associated with RA include:
- Anemia of chronic disease is when the body has an abundant amount of iron in its tissues, but not enough in the blood. In this case, systemic inflammation prevents the body from using stored iron to help make new RBCs. This leads to an overall decrease in RBCs. This type of anemia is also known to be normochromic (normal color RBCs) and normocytic (normal shaped RBCs) anemia, meaning the issue is not with the RBCs themselves, but rather with the process of producing new ones.
- Iron-deficiency anemia develops when iron stores in both the tissue and bloodstream are depleted, ultimately leading to decreased new RBC production. This is the most common form of anemia worldwide. Oftentimes, iron deficiency anemia can develop from excessive bleeding in people with RA. It's important to note that certain medications used to treat RA, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Hemolytic anemia can be seen in people with RA, but it is the least commonly associated form. In hemolytic anemia, RBCs are destroyed at a much faster pace than normal, leading to low RBCs in the blood. In addition to RA, other conditions such as lupus, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and infection can lead to hemolytic anemia.
How Are These Forms of Anemia Diagnosed?
Anemia is diagnosed by running a common blood test known as a complete blood count, or CBC.
In general, a CBC looks at white blood cell and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit counts, along with platelet values. It also looks at the size of RBCs, which can help differentiate different types of anemia.
Additional Lab Tests
If abnormalities are found on a CBC, additional labs can be ordered for further evaluation. These labs can include but are not limited to:
- Iron and ferritin levels
- Iron binding capacity
- Reticulocyte (premature RBC) counts
- Sedimentation rate
In addition to lab work, obtaining a thorough medical history and physical examination can help healthcare providers narrow down the cause of anemia.
Abnormal CBC findings in a person with chronic uncontrolled symptoms of RA is more likely to be anemia of chronic disease, while lab abnormalities in a young, currently menstruating female is more likely to be iron deficiency anemia.
How Are These Forms of Anemia Treated?
Treatment of anemia is very specific to the type of anemia present, so it is critical to get an accurate diagnosis.
In the case of anemia due to chronic disease, specifically to RA, decreased inflammatory activity throughout the body can help restore proper red blood cell counts. This can be achieved through:
- DMARD or biologic use
- Anti-inflammatory dietary modifications
- Stress reduction techniques
Once inflammation decreases, anemia of chronic disease tends to stabilize or improve.
If someone has developed iron deficiency anemia due to an active bleed, it's important to identify the source of the bleed and take measures to stop it. Depending on lab values, over-the-counter iron supplements or even intravenous (IV) iron infusions may be necessary.
Summary
Anemia is commonly seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia of chronic disease, iron deficiency anemia, and more rarely hemolytic anemia have all been associated with RA. Regular lab testing is useful in the initial diagnosis and further management of anemia. Treating the underlying cause can lead to stabilization or improvement.
A Word From Verywell
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and have experienced symptoms of anemia, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider. Diagnosis tends to be minimally invasive, and the condition can be easily treated. The more information you have about your specific case of RA, the better your treatment plan can be tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anemia common in rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, anemia is a common manifestation of RA. Regular follow-up with your rheumatologist or healthcare provider is essential in monitoring your blood counts.
What type of anemia is seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
The most common form of anemia seen in patients with RA is anemia of chronic disease. This form of anemia is thought to be due to inflammation disrupting the normal process of new red blood cell production. Decreased iron levels in both the body and the bloodstream can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can also be seen in RA.
Does rheumatoid arthritis cause anemia of chronic disease?
If RA is not well-managed and inflammation is not regulated, anemia of chronic disease can develop.
What autoimmune diseases cause iron deficiency anemia?
In addition to RA, lupus, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and many other conditions are all potential causes of iron deficiency anemia.
What causes anemia in rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the body. This inflammation impedes the body's ability to create enough new blood cells and can lead to anemia.Which type of anemia is seen in patients of rheumatoid arthritis?
One type — called anemia of chronic disease, or ACD — is a major cause of anemia in people with RA. In one study of 225 RA patients, ACD accounted for 77 percent of the observed anemia. It's also the most common form of anemia in lupus patients.What are 4 causes of anemia?
Possible causes of anemia include:.Iron deficiency..Vitamin B12 deficiency..Folate deficiency..Certain medicines..Destruction of red blood cells earlier than normal (which may be caused by immune system problems).Long-term (chronic) diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis..What is rheumatoid anemia?
Rheumatoid anemia is a typical example of anemia of chronic disease. It differs from other forms of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia or iatrogenic anemia. Rheumatoid anemia is normochromic, normocytic or, less often, microcytic, aregenerative, and accompanied with thrombocytosis.