Anaemia Flashcards
What is anaemia
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
What are the types of anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia Folic acid deficiency Aplastic anaemia Secondary anaemia to blood loss Haemoglobinopathies
What is the make up of blood
Blood is made up of 45% red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
and 55% plasma
What are the functions of blood
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
What is plasma
Plasma is a yellowish liquid that carries red blood cells, white blood cells and antibodies. It is 90% water
What are platelets
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
What are leukocytes
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.
What are erythrocytes
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.
How is blood made
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.
What is haemoglobin
Haemoglobin is an iron containing protein in red blood cells. Each molecule has 4 iron atoms which are required for blood production
What are the risks of anaemia in pregnancy
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.
How are pregnant women screened for anaemia
A full blood count at 12 & 28 weeks, should be 110 @ 12 and 105 @ 28
Why do haemoglobin levels drop during pregnancy
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
What is a mean cell volume
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.
What is a serum ferritin
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