Anaemia, Chronic Disorder
Description General Measures D63.0/D63.8 DESCRIPTION Anaemia due to chronic inflammation. This is characteristically a normochromic normocytic anaemia. Common causes of anaemia of chronic disorder include: Malignancy, e.g. haematological or solid tumours. Autoimmune disorders, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic infections, e.g. HIV and TB. Chronic kidney disease. GENERAL MEASURES Investigate and
D63.0/D63.8
DESCRIPTION
Anaemia due to chronic inflammation. This is characteristically a normochromic normocytic anaemia. Common causes of anaemia of chronic disorder include:
- Malignancy, e.g. haematological or solid tumours.
- Autoimmune disorders, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis.
- Chronic infections, e.g. HIV and TB.
- Chronic kidney disease.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Investigate and treat the underlying condition.
- Transfusion is seldom necessary.
- Do not treat with iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 unless there is a documented deficiency (note that diagnosing iron deficiency is difficult in chronic disorders as ferritin increases and serum iron decreases due to the acute phase response). A transferrin saturation level less than 20% usually indicates a combination of iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease.
Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Adult Hospital level_Version 1_30 March 2026
Chapter 2: Blood and Blood Forming Organs; 2.1.3 Anaemia, Chronic Disorder