3 - Anemia Flashcards
When talking about anemias, “cytic” refers to ____ and “chromic” refers to _____
cell size
hemoglobin content
Microcytic-hypochromic anemias are caused by:
disorders of hemoglobin synthesis (usually iron deficiency)
macrocytic anemias are usually caused by:
abnormal maturation in the bon marrow
Why do some patients with anemia become febrile?
release of leukocyte pyrogens from ischemic tissues
Describe the CBC of a post-hemorrhagic patient (minor hemorrhage) after 24 hours
decreased hematocrit as plasma is replaced by fluid and electrolytes from tissues/interstitium
rapid elevation of circulating neutrophils and platelets
increase in immature circulating RBCs
Megaloblastic (macrocytic) anemias are the result of _____
diminished erythropoiesis due to impaired DNA synthesis
What are the two causes of megaloblastic anemia?
Folate Deficiency
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Why do megaloblastic anemias cause large RBCs?
They have a very difficult time making DNA, but no problem making RNA
This means the nucleus doesn’t mature at the same rate as the rest of the cell
When the cell reaches a size that would usually spark cell division, the nucleus isn’t mature enough to do so
So it keeps growing until the nucleus matures, resulting in a larger cell
Why do megaloblastic cells lead to anemia?
The large cells get killed off much more quickly in the circulation
Individuals with pernicious anemia commonly have autoantibodies against:
gastric H-K ATPase
the major protein constituent of parietal cells
What are the hallmark s/s of megaloblastic anemia?
classic anemia (weakness, fatigue, weight loss)
Also beefy red tongue “atrophic glossitis”
Sallow skin (pallor and icterus)
Why is folate deficiency caused by malabsorption a vicious cycle?
Malabsorption from impaired mucosa causes Folate deficiency, which is integral to intestinal mucosal proliferation
Microcytic-hypochromic anemias are characterized by blood cells that are:
abnormally small with abnormally low amounts of Hgb
What percentage of ingested iron is absorbed?
10-15%
Who is at highest risk for Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)?
Black females living in urban poverty
A blood loss of _____ ml/day is required to cause IDA
only 2-4 ml
What are the most common causes of IDA in developed nations?
Pregnancy
Chronic blood loss
Exposure to ____ and ____ can cause IDA. Why?
Pb and Cd
Increased competition for absorption
In addition to the s/s of anemia, individuals with IDA may also manifest:
gastritis
neuromuscular changes
irritability
headache
numbness/tingling/parasthesia
How can you differentiate IDA from anemia of chronic disease?
by comparing the ratio of serum transferrin receptors to ferritin levels
If the ratio is high, that means the body is upregulating receptors due to a lack of ferritin
If it’s unchanged, there is enough iron in the body
Describe the morphology of anemia of chronic disease
begins as normocytic/normochromic, but will eventually become microcytic/hypochromic