ABSTRACT
With the exception of the anemia associated with chronic renal failure, disseminated malignancy, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, anemia secondary to chronic systemic diseases is not severe, and it presents with hemoglobin values in the range of 9-11g=dL. A hemoglobin level of less than 8 g=dL indicates presence of one or more aggravating factors, such as blood loss, acute infection, or adverse drug effects. Thus, in anemia associated with chronic inflammation, liver disease, or endocrine failure, blood transfusion is indicated rarely, because the anemia is not severe. Therapeutic efforts are directed toward correcting the underlying disorder.
