Which laboratory result is typically found in anemia of chronic disease?

Anemia of chronic disease is characterized by specific laboratory findings that help differentiate it from other types of anemia. In this condition, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is typically normal, indicating that red blood cells are of normal size. This is a crucial detail because many other types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, can present with a decreased MCV.

Another characteristic finding in anemia of chronic disease is a decreased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). TIBC reflects the blood’s capacity to bind and transport iron. In anemia of chronic disease, inflammatory processes lead to sequestration of iron and a relative decrease in TIBC. This is a result of increased hepcidin levels, which decrease iron absorption and release from stores, thereby limiting its availability for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).

In addition, ferritin levels are typically increased in anemia of chronic disease due to the body’s response to inflammatory states and iron sequestration. The body retains iron in stores (as seen in increased ferritin) but is unable to utilize it effectively due to the underlying chronic illness.

This combination of normal MCV, decreased TIBC, and increased ferritin is what makes the offered answer the correct choice when evaluating laboratory results indicative of