Anaemia

Question 1

Anaemia definition

Answer 1

reduction in HAEMOGLOBIN in the blood from the normal values for that population

Question 2

Microcytic anaemia

Answer 2

small RBC, not enough haemoglobin in the cell
MCV < 80

Question 3

Aetiology of microcytic anaemia

Answer 3

Iron deficiency [Crohn’s, UC, bowel cancer]
Thalassaemia

Question 4

Iron deficiency microcytic explanation

Answer 4

Lack of haemoglobin so extra division of RBC to maintain concentration
Can be from blood loss in Crohn’s etc, but also diet deficiency [malabsorption or increased requirement like pregnancy/childhood]
low ferritin levels

Question 5

Thalassaemia microcytic explanation

Answer 5

Due to inheritied mutations on the globin gene

Question 6

Normocytic anaemia

Answer 6

normal RBC size, MCV 80-100

Question 7

Aetiology of normocytic anaemia

Answer 7

Chronic disease [autoimmune, malignancy, infections, arthritis]
Sickle cell anaemia

Question 8

Chronic disease normocytic explanation

Answer 8

underlying conditions such as malignancy, autoimmune disease [rheumatoid arthritis], infections - stop liver producing hepcidin which ‘hides’ iron in ferritin to reduce availability in serum
iron serum low, ferritin high

Question 9

Sickle cell anaemia normocytic explanation

Answer 9

Abnormal globin changes, unusual RBC shape
high reticulocyte count due to compensation of bone marrow for haemolysis

Question 10

Macrocytic anaemia

Answer 10

large RBC, process of cell maturation not been completed
MCV > 100

Question 11

Aetiology of macrocytic anaemia

Answer 11

Folate deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency

Question 12

Folate deficiency macrocytic explanation

Answer 12

Poor diet [lack of intake, absorption failure - COELIAC or increased demand [haemolysis, pregancy, cancer]

Question 13

Vitamin B12 deficiency macrocytic explanation

Answer 13

Pernicious anaemia main cause whereby parietal cells destroyed in autoimmune process, impairing absorption
cannot make enough RBC due to lack of nutrient
Crohn’s

Question 14

Anaemia signs and symptoms

Answer 14

pale, tachycardia, tired, weak, dizzy, shortness of breath, palpitations

Question 15

MCV

Answer 15

average size of red blood cells. indicates deficiency. normal range 80-100 femtoliter

Question 16

platelets

Answer 16

help form blood clots to stop/slow bleeding and help wounds heal

Question 17

FBC

Answer 17

full blood count, can detect signs of anemia, infection, clotting/bleeding disorders
normal = 130-190 men 115-150 women g/L
around 130-140g/L

Question 18

Bleeding time test

Answer 18

measures how fast small blood vessels in the skin stop bleeding, tests clotting
normal = 2-9 minutes

Question 19

INR

Answer 19

measures time taken for blood to clot
1.1<= normal level
2-3 is those taking warfarin [able to treat]

Question 20

APPT

Answer 20

measures how long it takes for blood to clot.
normal is 21-35 seconds
higher indicates disorder

Question 21

Hb

Answer 21

haemoglobin levels, determines degree of anaemia
normal = 14-17.5 m, 12.3-15.3 w gm/dL

Question 22

RCC

Answer 22

red cell count, is anaemia normal or reduced amount
normal = 4.35-5.65 million RBC per microliter

Question 23

HCT

Answer 23

red cell percentage
normal = 41-50% m, 36-48% w

Question 24

WCC

Answer 24

white cell count, 4500-10000 per microliter

Question 25

PLT

Answer 25

platelet count, 150,000-450,000 per microliter

Question 26

Haematinic deficiency

Answer 26

deficient in minerals/nutrients needed for erythropoiesis [RBC production]

Question 27

Oral signs associated with anaemia

Answer 27

oral candidiasis, burning mouth syndrome, oral ulceration, angular cheilitis, aphthous stomatitis

Question 28

What tests to order if haemostasis disorder is suspected

Answer 28

Platelet dysfunction = FBC, clotting time
Clotting dysfunction = INR, APPT