Anaemia

Question 1

What is anaemia

Answer 1

Anaemia is a condition where there are fewer red blood cells or less haemoglobin than normal in each red blood cell which inhibits the bloods ability to carry oxygen around the body

Question 2

What are the types of anaemia

Answer 2

Iron deficiency anaemia 
Folic acid deficiency 
Aplastic anaemia 
Secondary anaemia to blood loss 
Haemoglobinopathies

Question 3

What is the make up of blood

Answer 3

Blood is made up of 45% red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
and 55% plasma

Question 4

What are the functions of blood

Answer 4

Transport 02
Transport nutrients and hormones
Maintains body temp by heat distribution
As part of the immune system using leucocytes and antibodies
Maintains pH, fluid & electrolyte balance
Clot production
Transport microorganisms

Question 5

What is plasma

Answer 5

Plasma is a yellowish liquid that carries red blood cells, white blood cells and antibodies. It is 90% water

Question 6

What are platelets

Answer 6

Platelets are cell fragments which form clots to prevent bleeding. A level between 150-400 is normal as a low level puts patients at risk of bleeding

Question 7

What are leukocytes

Answer 7

Leukocytes are white blood cells which defend against disease by destroying bacteria and creating antibodies. Normal levels are up to 11 or 20 in labour and are taken out before a blood transfusion as they can cause harm.

Question 8

What are erythrocytes

Answer 8

Erythrocytes are red blood cells which are flexible biconcave discs with no nucleus that contain haemoglobin that binds to 02 and carries co2 back to the lungs.

Question 9

How is blood made

Answer 9

The kidneys detect low 02 levels in the blood and secretes erythropoietin which travels to stem cells in the bone marrow and tells them what to turn into. Then more red blood cells/ white blood cells/ platelets are released.

Question 10

What is haemoglobin

Answer 10

Haemoglobin is an iron containing protein in red blood cells. Each molecule has 4 iron atoms which are required for blood production

Question 11

What are the risks of anaemia in pregnancy

Answer 11

Premature birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, stillbirth, less able to cope with blood loss in labour, baby iron deficient, problems with infant mental development, susceptible to infection.

Question 12

How are pregnant women screened for anaemia

Answer 12

A full blood count at 12 & 28 weeks, should be 110 @ 12 and 105 @ 28

Question 13

Why do haemoglobin levels drop during pregnancy

Answer 13

Due to the increase in blood volume and fetal need for iron there is a 3x need for haemoglobin, as plasma volume increases haemoglobin levels dip at 16-22 weeks which is known as haemodilution

Question 14

What is a mean cell volume

Answer 14

A mean cell volume is the average volume of red blood cells which should be between 80-11 f/L. An abnormal mean cell volume can have pale and small cells.

Question 15

What is a serum ferritin

Answer 15

Ferritin helps in absorption, storage and release of iron. A serum ferritin measures the amount of iron stored in the body. A score less than 30 prompts treatment and below 15 is is diagnostic of iron deficiency anaemia

Question 16

What are the symptoms of anaemia

Answer 16

Dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, fatigue, palpitations

Question 17

How is anaemia treated

Answer 17

Oral iron tablets, iron infusion, or a blood transfusion

Question 18

What dietary supplements can treat anaemia

Answer 18

Red meat, pulses, fresh green leafy veg, seeds, dried prunes, oily fish, wholegrains and nuts