A complete blood cell count (CBC) is a frequent test sent to aid in the diagnostic evaluation of ill patients. Not uncommonly hematologic abnormalities may be the first sign of an underlying systemic disorder. The astute clinician needs to understand how systemic disease can affect the CBC to direct further diagnostic investigations. This
article focuses on the 2 most common acquired anemias including iron deficiency
and anemia of inflammation (AI) as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation
(DIC).

Pediatr Clin N Am 60 (2013) 1337–1348, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2013.08.012