Prevalence and Hematological Profile of Anemia of Chronic Disease in Asthmatic Patients: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a widespread chronic respiratory condition linked to substantial illness and, in severe instances, life-threatening complications. Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD) commonly occurs in diseases marked by systemic inflammation, such as asthma. However, the precise role of ACD in asthma and its biological basis remains poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to examine the serum iron status in Sudanese individuals with asthma and investigate the potential link between asthma and ACD.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional case-control design was employed, involving 240 subjects—120 individuals diagnosed with bronchial asthma and 120 healthy controls. Key parameters assessed included serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), hemoglobin concentration, and transferrin saturation. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, utilizing independent t-tests and multiple linear regression techniques. Results: Compared to healthy controls, asthma patients showed significantly reduced levels of serum iron, hemoglobin, and saturation percentage (p < 0.001), while ferritin concentrations were significantly elevated (p < 0.001). The prevalence of anemia among the asthma group was 80%, predominantly ACD. Regression analysis demonstrated a strong inverse correlation between ferritin and serum iron (r = -1.776, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate a high rate of ACD among asthmatic individuals, suggesting a possible causal relationship. Routine anemia screening in asthma patients is advised to support early diagnosis and management. Further investigations are required to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting asthma and ACD.