Epidemiology

Because anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is a consequence of immune system activation attributable to many causes, epidemiologic data specific to this entity are not available.

The prevalence of all types of anemia in adults ages ≥65 years in the US is 10% to 11%.[9]​ One-third of these cases are believed to be due to chronic disorders, including chronic renal disease. Among patients about to initiate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, anemia prevalence is estimated to range from 8% to 29%.[10][11]

Anemia affects approximately one-third of the world's population, including half a billion women ages 15 to 49 years and 269 million children (6 to 59 months).[12][13][14]​ Africa and South-East Asia are most affected.

In one large cohort study of patients hospitalized for critical illness, 41% had anemia preceding hospitalization, and 74% of patients without prehospitalization anemia developed incident anemia.[15]​ The presence of anemia in intensive care unit patients has been associated with worse outcomes, including increased lengths of stay and increased mortality.[16]

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