Anemia Associated with Amebic Liver Abscess

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Abstract
Summary Serial estimations of the hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were done on 31 African male patients with proved amebic liver abscess and compared with 30 African male controls. In addition the bone marrow iron stores were studied. Anemia was commonly present and was hypochromic in 15 of the patients, although normal to increased iron deposits were present in the bone marrow. The degree of anemia was related to the duration of symptoms and size of the abscess. Hypoferremia and a low TIBC were also present in those patients who were not anemic. Iron deficiency and evidence of hemolysis were not present and the findings are consistent with those described in the anemia of infection. The anemia responds to specific amebicidal therapy although an initial fall in the hemoglobin level may occur.