Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anemia |
|
Description
Anemia is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis , affecting about 60 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Anemia of the type is characterized by low serum iron concentrations in conjunction with adequate iron stores
There is a possitive correlation between the resolution of anemia and the parameters of swollen, painful, and tender joints, pain, muscle strength, and energy.
Studies suggest:
patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have anemia are likely to have more severe joint disease
if the anemia is successfully treated, the joint disease will likely respond to treatment as well
Cause
Anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis may be due to
Impaired ability of the body to use iron
Presence of inflammatory cytokines leads to reduced production of erythropoietin and result in lower red blood cell counts.
Reference
Am J Med. 2004 Apr 5;116 Suppl 7A:50S-57S "Prevalence and outcomes of anemia in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review of the literature."
Wilson A, Yu HT, Goodnough LT, Nissenson AR, Zynx Health, Beverly Hills, California 90212, USA.
Related Topics
|
