[Diagnostic strategy and management of anemia: a consensus from a detailed study of 100 patients followed in internal medicine].

Anemia is a frequent reason for seeking medical care in Internal Medicine. It is not a diagnosis, but rather a symptom that needs to be investigated in order to find an etiology. In a retrospective review of 100 cases of anemia, the cause was found in 86 % of cases. The etiologic profile was varied. Iron deficiency remained by far the most frequent cause seen in 47% of case. Other etiologies have been found such as neoplasm in 13 % of cases, chronic renal failure in 8% of cases and endocrinal cause in 5 % of cases. We recommend a diagnostic decision tree that provides a tool for rational and cost effective approach for anemia.