Anaemia

Question 1

Commonest antibodies found in pernicious anaemia?

Answer 1

Gastric parietal (85%)
Intrinsic factor (50%)

Question 2

Management of pernicious anaemia?

Answer 2

Hydroxocobalamin 1mg 3x weekly for two weeks, then every 2-3 months, confirm response by checking FBC at 2 weeks and 8 weeks

Question 3

Management of folate deficiency?

Answer 3

folic acid 5mg for 4/12

Question 4

Pattern of haematinics in IDA?

Answer 4

Low ferritin

Low transferrin satn

Question 5

How long should iron treatment be continued after correction of iron deficiency?

Answer 5

3 months, to ensure stores replenished

Question 6

Management of iron deficiency without anaemia?

Answer 6

Investigate and manage as for IDA

Question 7

Pancytopenia and lack of reticulocytes?

Answer 7

suggests aplastic anaemia

Question 8

Ethnic distribution of B thalassaemia?

Answer 8

Occurs in all ethnic groups except northern europeans

Question 9

Mild anaemia with disproportionately low MCV?

Answer 9

Suspect thalassaemia trait

Question 10

Consequences of red cell sickling?

Answer 10

Tissue infarction leading to pain (“painful crises”) or loss of function (e.g. stroke)
Sequestration causing sudden and profound anaemia