Anaemia in primary care: iron deficiency and anaemia of chronic disease

Abstract

Iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease are commonly seen in primary care. Margaret Perry discusses how to recognise, diagnose and manage these conditions This article will look at iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease. Both are problems encountered frequently at a global scale and in the primary care setting. Both conditions can potentially affect any age, although anaemia of chronic disease is more common among older adults. It is hoped that the information provided will give general practice nurses and nurse prescribers greater confidence in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of these conditions, to improve patient care.