This type of anemia frequently complicates other diseases. Disorders that often bring on this type of anemia include rheumatoid arthritis hepatitis and tuberculosis. It can also occur in anyone who has an acute infection such as pneumonia .The symptoms of anemia of chronic disease are the same as those for other forms of anemia, combined with the symptoms of the underlying disease. It cannot be treated, except by transfusions, but it should improve when the disease that produces it improves in response to treatment.