Anemia of Chronic Disease - Pathophysiology One theory to explain why "anemia of chronic disease" exists: The inflammatory cytokine response to chronic disease serves an adaptive evolutionary purpose. Bacteria often require iron as a nutrient for survival. The body's ability to lock up iron stores in times of potential infection may help to inhibit bacterial growth. Long-term, however, it results in anemia. #anemia #chronic #disease #hematology #pathophysiology
