[Anemia in chronic polyarthritis].

In 216 patients, the correlation of anemia and activity of rheumatoid arthritis was studied. In 27% a concomitant anemia was found. These findings are congruent with those of other authors. There is a significant correlation between activity of rheumatoid disease and evolution of anemia as well as changes of serum iron level. With reference to the literature possible pathogenetic mechanisms of this type of anemia are reviewed. Therapeutic possibilities are briefly discussed.