title: Why is my patient anemic?
abstract: Anemia is a decreased number of circulating red blood cells and is a common medical condition faced in clinical practice. Anemia is caused by loss of red blood cells, destruction of red blood cells, decreased production of red blood cells, or a combination of these processes. Through a clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation the provider must identify the process by which the patient is anemic. Often the cause of anemia is straightforward; however, the cause can be challenging, requiring a thorough knowledge of both hematology and general medicine.
authors.affiliation: University of Vermont College of Medicine, 111 Colchester Avenue, Smith Room 244, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.
authors.forename: Locke J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Bryan
authors.forename: Neil A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Zakai
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D004920:Erythropoiesis; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications