2.2 anemia Flashcards
The essence of the pathophysiology is that anemia results from what?
either increased rate of destruction/loss from the peripheral blood or decreased production in the bone marrow
The components of the CBC that relate to anemia are:
-RBC count
-Hematocrit (Hct)
-hemoglobin (Hgb)
-MCV
-MCH
-MCHC
-reticulocyte count
what does MCV tell us about anemia?
that the average red cells are microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic
What does MCHC tell us about an anemia?
allows us to define normochromic or hypochromic red cells. Red cells are never hyperchromic. Hyperchromicity is an artifact, most often associated with hemoglobinemia or lipidemia.
assess anemia using
- History
- Physical examination
- Complete blood count
- Reticulocyte count
- Total serum/plasma protein
causes of a regenerative anemia
hemolysis, hemorrhage
causes of a non-regenerative anemia
marrow disorder, primary or secondary
what are the signs of regenerative anemia in the blood?
increased Polychromasia / Reticulocytes
increased neutrophils, platelets
increased Anisocytosis, RDW
increased MCV (macrocytosis)
decreased MCHC (hypochromia)
when might we expect icterus, bilirubinemia, or bilirubinuria?
-expected with hemolysis and internal hemorrhage although the accumulation of bilirubin pigments is more often greater with hemolysis.
-Nonregenerative anemias typically have normal bilirubin concentration
how does hydration impact the interpretation of anemia?
A moderately anemic and dehydrated patient may be severely anemic when rehydrated.
in regenerative anemia, what does a low protein concentration point to?
hemorrhage
in regenerative anemia, what does a higher/normal protein concentration point to?
hemolysis
in a non-regenerative anemia, what do unexplained cytopenias point to?
primary bone marrow disorder
in a non-regenerative anemia, what do normal or increased leukocyte and platelet counts point to?
secondary bone marrow disorder
what will we see in acute anemia, prior to regeneration?
-increased serum bilirubin
-blood smear abnormalities
-proteins
-serial hemograms