Abnormal splenic uptake of red cells in long-lasting iron deficiency anemia due to self-induced bleeding (factitious anemia).

The authors report on six cases of chronic iron deficiency anemia in which a diagnosis of factitious anemia was made. Erythrokinetic studies demonstrated iron deficiency and blood loss. Besides these features, two kinetic abnormalities are described: precocious splenic sequestration of red cells and excess hemolysis. This hemolytic syndrome seems to be correlated to the duration of anemia rather than to its severity.