What is anemia of inflammation and chronic disease (AI/ACD)?
AI/ACD is a type of anemia that commonly occurs with chronic, or long-term, illnesses or infections. Cancer and inflammatory disorders, in which abnormal activation of the immune system occurs, can also cause AI/ACD. Some people develop AI/ACD without having any signs of these health problems. AI/ACD is easily confused with iron-deficiency anemia because in both forms of anemia, levels of iron circulating in the blood are low. Circulating iron is necessary for RBC production. Low blood iron levels occur in iron-deficiency anemia because levels of iron stored in the body’s tissues are depleted. In AI/ACD, however, iron stores are normal or high. Low blood levels occur in AI/ACD, despite normal iron stores, because inflammatory and chronic diseases interfere with the body’s ability to use stored iron and absorb iron from the diet. Certain treatments for chronic diseases may also impair RBC production and contribute to AI/ACD. AI/ACD is the second most common form of anemia, after iron-de
