Anemia of chronic disease

Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations for the diagnosis of anemia and assessment of severity (in men ages >15 years)[51]World Health Organization. Guideline on haemoglobin cutoffs to define anaemia in individuals and populations. Mar 2024 [internet publication]. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240088542 ​​

• Mild anemia: 11.0 to 12.9 g/dL Hb

• Moderate anemia: 8.0 to 10.9 g/dL Hb

• Severe anemia: <8.0 g/dL Hb

Life-threatening anemia is considered to be <6.5 g/dL Hb. Of note, the values reported above are less important than the rate at which anemia develops (e.g., an individual in whom Hb drops from 14.5 to 10 g/dL in 30 minutes is more ill than a person who has developed an Hb of 6 g/dL over a period of 3 years).