PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which condition is commonly associated with normocytic anemia?

1. Anemia of chronic disease

2. Iron deficiency anemia

3. Lead poisoning

4. Thalassemia

The correct answer is: Anemia of chronic disease

Normocytic anemia is characterized by red blood cells that are of normal size but reduced in number. One of the conditions commonly associated with this type of anemia is anemia of chronic disease. This condition typically arises in the context of chronic inflammation, infection, or malignancy, where the body's response to disease impairs the production of red blood cells. In these cases, the bone marrow usually produces red blood cells normally, but systemic factors, such as elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, reduce their lifespan and overall production. In contrast, iron deficiency anemia is characterized by smaller, microcytic red blood cells due to insufficient iron. Lead poisoning typically results in microcytic anemia as well due to interference with heme synthesis. Thalassemia, a genetic condition affecting hemoglobin production, can lead to microcytic anemia or targeting more irregular sized cells but is not typically associated with normocytic anemia. Thus, anemia of chronic disease stands out as the primary condition linked to normocytic anemia.