Anaemia Flashcards
What causes fatigue / tiredness?
- Psychological: Depression, Anxiety
- Physiological: Anaemia, Infections, Chronic diseases
- Physical: Sleep deprivation, Overexertion
What is Anaemia?
A condition with reduced RBCs or haemoglobin, causing decreased oxygen delivery
Classification of anaemia
- Microcytic anaemia (iron deficiency, thalassemia)
- Normocytic anaemia (chronic disease, acute blood loss)
- Macrocytic anaemia (vitamin B12 or folate deficiency)
What causes macrocytosis ?
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Liver disease
- Alcohol use
Signs & Symptoms of anaemia
- fatigue
- pallor
- dyspnea
- tachycardia
What investigations are relevant to anaemia?
- FBC (Full Blood Count)
- Blood smear
- Iron profile
- Vitamin B12 & folate levels
- Bone marrow biopsy
How does chronic disease lead to anaemia?
Inflammation increases hepcidin, reducing iron availability
How does Vitamin B12 deficiency cause anaemia?
Impairs DNA synthesis, leading to megaloblastic anaemia
(megaloblastic anaemia is a form of macrocytic anaemia)
How does iron deficiency cause anaemia?
Reduces haemoglobin production, leading to microcytic anaemia
What is microcytic anaemia?
A type of anaemia where red blood cells are smaller than normal, often due to insufficient haemoglobin
How does folic acid deficiency cause anaemia?
Impairs DNA synthesis, causing megaloblastic anaemia
How can drugs cause anaemia?
By inducing haemolysis, bone marrow suppression, or folate depletion
What is Sickle cell anaemia?
A genetic disorder causing abnormal haemoglobin and RBC sickling
What is Thalassemia?
A genetic disorder causing decreased or absent globin chain production
What is Spherocytosis?
A hereditary condition, causing defective RBC membrane protein, leading to spherically shaped RBCs.
What are the causes of Spherocytosis?
What are the symptoms of hereditary Spherocytosis?
- Anaemia
- Jaundice
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
What is the treatment for hereditary Spherocytosis?
