Prognosis of anaemia | Anemia

Prognosis of anaemia

The prognosis of anaemia also depends on the cause and cooperation (compliance) of the patient. The spectrum ranges from temporary substitution (of e.g. iron) to the lifelong administration of vitamins. Certain forms are even fatal if left untreated.

Summary

Anemia is a common disease which can have various causes. These range from a comparatively harmless deficiency (iron deficiency) due to inadequate nutrition to severe tumor diseases as a cause. In order to find the cause, a simple blood count is helpful, which provides information about the type of anaemia and thus the cause.

The individual forms of anaemia (normochrome, normocytic/hyperchrome, macrocytic/hypochrome, microcytic) lead to different therapeutic options due to the numerous causes. Simple deficiencies (e.g. iron deficiency) can be treated relatively easily by compensating for them (e.g. iron supplementation).

Congenital causes of anaemia, on the other hand, must be treated by giving red blood cell concentrate (blood preserves) or bone marrow transplantation. Chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, as well as other autoimmune diseases must be treated by inhibiting the immune system accordingly. Anaemia due to tumor diseases is often particularly difficult to treat, since the anaemia is not only caused by the tumor itself, but also by its treatment through radiation and chemotherapy.