Anaemia Flashcards

1
Q

What is anaemia

A

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

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2
Q

What are the types of anaemia

A
Iron deficiency anaemia 
Folic acid deficiency 
Aplastic anaemia 
Secondary anaemia to blood loss 
Haemoglobinopathies
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3
Q

What is the make up of blood

A

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

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4
Q

What are the functions of blood

A

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

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5
Q

What is plasma

A

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

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6
Q

What are platelets

A

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

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7
Q

What are leukocytes

A

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.

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8
Q

What are erythrocytes

A

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.

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9
Q

How is blood made

A

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.

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10
Q

What is haemoglobin

A

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

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11
Q

What are the risks of anaemia in pregnancy

A

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.

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12
Q

How are pregnant women screened for anaemia

A

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

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13
Q

Why do haemoglobin levels drop during pregnancy

A

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

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14
Q

What is a mean cell volume

A

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.

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15
Q

What is a serum ferritin

A

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

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16
Q

What are the symptoms of anaemia

A

Dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, fatigue, palpitations

17
Q

How is anaemia treated

A

Oral iron tablets, iron infusion, or a blood transfusion

18
Q

What dietary supplements can treat anaemia

A

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