Normochromic anemia
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Normocytic anemia is a common issue that occurs for men and women typically over 85 years old. Its prevalence increases with age, reaching 44 percent in men older than 85 years.[1] Normocytic anemia is the most frequently encountered type of anemia.[1]
Causes
The issue is thought of as representing any of the following:
- a decreased production of normal-sized red blood cells (e.g., anemia of chronic disease, aplastic anemia);
- an increased destruction or loss of red blood cells (e.g., hemolysis, posthemorrhagic anemia);
- an uncompensated increase in plasma volume (e.g., pregnancy, fluid overload);
- or a mixture of conditions producing microcytic and macrocytic anemia.[1]