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Approach to the adult with anemia

Author: Lawrence LK Leung, MD
Section Editor: William C Mentzer, MD
Deputy Editors: Jennifer S Tirnauer, MD, Lisa Kunins, MD

INTRODUCTION

Evaluation for anemia is one of the most common problems seen in clinical practice. While the
evaluation may be straightforward in an otherwise healthy individual with a single cause of anemia,
in many cases the cause is not readily apparent and multiple conditions may be contributing.

An overview of the causes of anemia and an approach to the evaluation of the adult with
unexplained anemia are presented here.

Specific causes of anemia and the evaluation of specific patient populations are discussed in more
detail in separate topic reviews:

● Iron deficiency – (See "Causes and diagnosis of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in
adults".)
● B12 and folate deficiency – (See "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of vitamin B12 and
folate deficiency".)

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Literature review current through: Sep 2019. | This topic last updated: Sep 03, 2019.
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