Impaired ability to absorb and export iron into plasma; also decreased RBC lifespan
Related to a wide array of inflammatory states including: autoimmune disorders (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, IBD, other), chronic infections (TB, HIV, other), cancer (e.g. lymphoma, other); chronic diseases such as: cirrhosis, CKD, COPD, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, other
Can be chronic or acute (e.g. can develop w/in a week of critical illness w/severe infection)
Diagnosis based on having a chronic inflammatory state and no other identified contributors
Tests
Low serum iron, low tranferrin, low or nomal tranferrin saturation, normal or elevated ferritin, low retic count