Anaemia Flashcards
Define: Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition in which there is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in the body, leading to reduced oxygen transport.
What are the common symptoms of anaemia (6)?
Fatigue
Weakness
Pale complexion
Irregular heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Anaemia classification?
- Based on size of RBCs (microcytic, normocytic, macrocytic)
- Based on the cause (Fe+ deficiency etc.)
- Based on the amount of Hb in the RBCs (hypochromic, normochromic)
Normal Hb reference range?
Males 135 - 180g/L
Females 115 - 160g/L
What are the main types of anaemia?
The main types include:
1. Iron deficiency anaemia
2. Vitamin deficiency anaemia
3. Anaemia of chronic disease
4. Aplastic anaemia
5. Haemolytic anaemia
What causes iron deficiency anaemia?
Causes include insufficient iron intake, chronic blood loss, pregnancy, and inability to absorb iron properly.
What are some iron-rich foods?
Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens, dried fruit, and iron-fortified cereals and bread.
How does vitamin B12 deficiency cause anaemia?
Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to poor red blood cell production because B12 is essential for DNA synthesis in the bone marrow.
What is the link between chronic diseases and anaemia
Chronic diseases can cause anaemia by interfering with the production of red blood cells or causing blood loss.
Explain anaemia of chronic disease
Anaemia of chronic disease (ACD), is a type of anaemia that is commonly seen in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and chronic kidney disease.
It is characterized by low red blood cell count and low haemoglobin levels.
The pathogenesis of ACD is multifactorial, and it involves an interplay of cytokines, erythropoietin (EPO), iron metabolism, and erythroid progenitor cells
How is anaemia diagnosed?
Anaemia is diagnosed through blood tests that measure hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, and red blood cell count.
What are the potential complications of untreated anaemia?
Complications can include severe fatigue, heart problems, complications during pregnancy, and delayed growth and development in children.
What is aplastic anaemia?
Aplastic anaemia is a rare condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells due to bone marrow damage.
What is the treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia?
B12 Injections
Increased B12 Dietary intake (meat, eggs, and dairy products)
What dietary recommendations are given to someone with iron deficiency anaemia?
Consuming iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens, and iron-fortified cereals.
Vitamin C-rich foods can help enhance iron absorption
How does folate deficiency cause anaemia?
Folate deficiency results in impaired DNA synthesis, leading to the production of abnormally large and dysfunctional red blood cells.
How is haemolytic anaemia treated?
Treatment may involve managing the underlying cause, using medications to suppress the immune system, or blood transfusions.
How does anaemia affect pregnancy?
Can lead to complications such as:
Preterm delivery
Low birth weight
Maternal fatigue
What is haemolytic anaemia?
Haemolytic anaemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made, often due to autoimmune diseases, infections, certain medications, or inherited conditions.
What are the clinical features of Myeloma?
“Crab” mnemonic
HyperCalcaemia
Renal Failure
Anaemia
Bone Pain
List the common causes of Microcytic anaemia (4)?
- Iron deficiency
- Chronic Blood loss
- Decrease Iron intake or absorption
- Thalassaemia
List the common causes of normocytic anaemia (3):
- Anaemia of chronic inflammation
- Acute blood loss
- haemolysis
List the common causes of Macrocytic anaemia (5):
- B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Alcohol abuse
- Hepatic disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Cytotoxic drugs
“Blood” Production vs “blood” Loss test?
- Reticulocyte count (immature RBC that retains its nuclear products)
- Normal amount of reticulocytes in blood ~1%
- Increased above this is suggestive of response to blood loss
What are some common reasons for occult bleeding that lead to anaemia (4)?
Occult bleeding refers to hidden or invisible bleeding that occurs in the body, which can lead to anaemia over time. Some common reasons:
1. GI bleeding (most common cause; caused by ulcers, gastritis, diverticulitis, IBD etc.)
2. Menstrual bleeding
3. UTI bleeding
4. Respiratory tract (TB, Lung cancer)
5. Medications (anticoags, NSAIDs, aspirin)
6. Other conditions (haemorrhoids, oesophageal varices)
