Question

Anemia of chronic disease is characterized by decreased serum iron. What are the other characteristics of anemia of chronic disease?

1) Decreased total iron-binding capacity
2) Normal or increased ferritin levels
3) Decreased transferrin saturation
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Anemia of chronic disease is characterized by decreased serum iron, and other characteristics include decreased total iron-binding capacity, normal or increased ferritin levels, and decreased transferrin saturation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anemia of chronic disease is characterized by decreased serum iron as well as other distinct characteristics. These include:

1. Decreased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): TIBC refers to the amount of iron that can be bound by transferrin, a protein that transports iron in the blood. In anemia of chronic disease, TIBC is typically decreased.
2. Normal or increased ferritin levels: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. In anemia of chronic disease, ferritin levels are typically normal or increased, indicating that iron is being stored rather than utilized.
3. Decreased transferrin saturation: Transferrin saturation is the percentage of transferrin that is bound to iron. In anemia of chronic disease, transferrin saturation is typically decreased, reflecting the decreased availability of iron for binding.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 4) All of the above.