Anemia of Inflammation (AI) Elevated Serum Hepcidin Level and Therapeutic Intravenous Administration of Iron

Abstract

An 81-year-old female complained of anorexia and puffy face. Complete blood cell counts (CBC) demonstrated normocytic normochromic anemia. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were decreased, and ferritin was increased. CRP and acute phase proteins were elevated. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and hepcidin-25 were elevated. The patient was diagnosed as having anemia of inflammation (AI), although the cause was unknown. The oral administration of iron was ineffective, whereas intravenous administration was effective for the amelioration of anemia. The levels of ferritin and hepcidin increased, whereas those of CRP and IL-6 decreased without specific treatment.




J Med Cases. 2013;4(6):411-415
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc1272w