Agents to Treat Anemia Flashcards
Explain Anemia
When there is not enough RBC’s to carry sufficient oxygen throughout the body, or a defect with the RBC that cause inability to carry oxygen through the body.
What is Aplastic Anemia?
Bone Marrow Disorder affecting production of WBC’s, Platelets & RBC’s
What are Erythrocytes?
RBC’s - carry oxygen to the tissues in exchange for CO2
What is Erythopoiesis?
Process of creating RBC’s & destroying them after 120 days while recycling some parts.
What is Erythrpoietin?
Glycoprotein secreted by the kidneys that stimulate RBC production when low oxygen or blood flow is detected.
What is Hemolytic anemia?
Condition that prematurely destroys RBC’s
What is Iron deficiency anemia?
Lack of sufficient iron in the body leading to reduced hemoglobin and consequently RBC reduction.
What is Megaloblastic anemia?
Vitamin B12 & Folic acid deficiency that causes reduction in RBC’s and their lifespan.
What is Pernicious anemia?
Type of Megaloblastic Anemia due to lack of B12 r/t decrease intrinsic factor in GI cells. IM & Nasal spray treatment with B12. PO cannot be absorbed through GI tract.
What is Plasma?
The liquid part of blood; contains proteins essential for the immune response and blood clotting. Contains water, plasma proteins, glucose and electrolytes.
What is Reticulocytes?
Baby RBC - has entered blood stream but is not fully matured.
What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
Inherited hemolytic anemia. Categorized by abnormal hemoglobin which causes RBC to take on a sickle shape, making it difficult to pass through the vessels which may cause occlusions which damages the vessels and are painful.
What is Thalassemia?
Inherited disorder which causes hemoglobin alterations in RBCs often leading to hypochromic microcytic hemolytic anemia, which is when RBCs are smaller and die prematurely.
What allows blood to be liquid?
Plasma. It carries components to prevent injuries such as platelets, prevent infection (WBCs), and deliver oxygen throughout the body within the RBCs.
What component are the oxygen delivery system in the blood?
The RBCs
What are the Formed Elements of Blood? What are their functions?
◦ Leukocytes (WBCs): Part of the immune system
◦ Erythrocytes (RBCs): Carry oxygen to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide
◦ Platelets: Part of clotting system
Explain the process of Erythropoiesis?
1) Erythropoietin stimulates stem cells in bone marrow (can be increased if kidney notices decreases blood flow or oxygen)
2) Erythroblasts turn into mature RBCs called Reticulocytes.
3) Reticulocytes circulates for 120 days then either lyse or die.
4) they lyse in the liver, spleen or bone marrow & some parts return to the bone marrow to make new RBCs
What components are essential for formation of RBC’s?
Amino acids, lipids, carbs, vitamin B12, folic acid and iron.
Can RBC’s reproduce?
No, they do not contain a nucleus.
Can Bilirubin be reused?
No, it is excreted via bile in urine or feces.
What are the 4 causes of anemia?
Blood loss
Excessive Hemolysis
Low Production of RBCs
Bone Marrow Failure
In the formation of healthy RBCs, why is it important to have adequate amounts of iron?
To form hemoglobin rings to be able to carry oxygen.
In the formation of healthy RBCs, why is it important to have adequate (minute) amounts of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid ?
To form a supporting structure that can survive being battered through blood vessels for 120 days
In the formation of healthy RBCs, why is it important to have adequate Essential Amino Acids and Carbohydrates ?
To complete the hemoglobin rings, cell membrane, and basic structure