Anaemia Flashcards
Define Macrocytic anaemia.
Anaemia is lack of haemoglobin. Macrocytic refers to RBCs that are too large.
Define Microcytic anaemia.
The presence of small, often hypochromic RBC’s in peripheral blood smear. Low MCV <80 fl
Define Normocytic anaemia
Normal sized blood cells but there are a low number of them.
Define Hypochromic anaemia
Any anaemia where the blood cells are paler than normal. Hypo means less and chromic refers to colour
Define Hyperchromic anaemia
An anaemia with an increase of haemoglobin in individual RBC’s and reduction in the number of cells.
Define Normochromic anaemia
The concentration of haemoglobin in RBC’s is in the normal range but there are insufficient numbers of RBCs.
What is Anaemia?
“The inability of the blood to carry enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs” (Ross & Wilson, 2014, p73)
What are the average daily iron requirements for men, women & children?
Men 1-2mg
Women 3mg
Children require more than adults
List the characteristics of RBC in Iron deficiency Anaemia
RBC Count often normal
RBC are small, pale and of variable size
RBC often contain less haemoglobin than normal
Why might Iron deficiency anaemia occur?
Deficient intake (either not enough or higher than normal demand) Poor absorption from alimentary tract
What is Pernicious Anaemia?
An autoimmune disorder which leads to a B12 deficiency.
Other than an autoimmune disease what are the other reasons for a B12 deficiency?
Gastroectomy
Chronic Gastritis
Malabsorption
What is a result of a folic acid or B12 deficiency?
It can lead to a megoblastic anaemia
What are megoblastic Erythorcytes?
Red blood cells that are larger than normal?
Why does folic acid or B12 deficiency result in megablastic erythrocytes?
Rate of DNA & RNA synthesis is reduced delaying cell division. Cells therefore grow larger and some are nucleated.
What is the average life span of a megoblastic RBC?
40-50 days
When would Haemolytic anaemia occur?
RBCs destroyed or removed prematurely
What type of anaemia is sickle cell?
Congenital haemolytic
What is Haemolysis?
Process of RBC destruction
What are common symptoms of Anaemia?
Pallor
Tiredness
Dyspnoea
What is Dyspnoea?
Shortness of breath and breathing discomfort
What type of anaemia results from Bone Marrow Failure?
Aplastic
What are the presenting symptoms of Aplastic Anaemia?
Bruising and Bleeding
List the known causes of Aplastic anaemia
Drugs
ionising radiation
some chemicals
viral disease (inc hepatitis)
What disease do some sickle cell sufferers have immunity from and why?
Malaria
The life span of a blood cell is shorter than the time it takes for the malaria parasite to mature.
What causes the RBC’s in sickle cell anaemia to be misshapen?
Abnormal Hb molecules become misshapen on oxygenation and if there are enough in a cell it will lead to sickle shaped cells.
What is an acute episode of Sickle Cell anaemia referred to?
Sickle Crisis
What is Thalassaemia?
Congenital Haemolytic Anaemia
How does Thalassaemia affect RBC’s?
It causes abnormal haemoglobin production, in turn reduces Erythropoiesis and stimulates haemolysis.
What are the symptoms in moderate to severe Thalassaemia?
Bone Marrow expansion
Splenomegaly
What are the long term problems of Sickle Cell Anaemia?
Cardiac Disease Kidney Failure Retinopathy Poor tissue healing Slow growth in children
Why is there an increased risk of stroke for sickle cell anaemia sufferers?
Sickle cells can cause blockages in blood vessels because of their abnormal shape. if these blockages occur in the brain there is an increase risk of stroke or seizure
What is Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn
Congenital Haemolytic Anaemia
Who is at risk from contracting HDN?
Rh+ babies of Rh- mothers who have previously given birth to to Rh+ babies
Why would a Rh- woman start producing Rh antibodies?
If she gives birth to a Rh+ baby and a small amount of the fetal blood mixes with her own.
What preventative measure is used to avoid HDN?
Anti-D injections given within 72 hours of delivery of a Rh+ baby.
What are common signs of Anaemia?
Tachycardia
Palpitations
Breathlessness on exertion
Why does Anaemia cause tachycardia?
To improve blood supply and speed up circulation
Why does Anaemia cause palpitations or chest pains?
Increased effort of overworked heart
Why does Anaemia cause breathlessness on exertion?
To compensate for higher demand for oxygen from the tissues
What causes Haemorrhagic Anaemia?
Acute or sudden blood loss
Which organ of the body are the antibodies involved in Pernicious anaemia active?
The Stomach
Parietal cells are attacked in which form of Anaemia?
Pernicious Anaemia
Intrinsic Factor is produced by which organ?
The stomach
What factor produced by the stomach is affected in Pernicious Anaemia?
Intrinsic Factor
List complications of Vit B12 deficiency anaemia
Irreversible Neurological damage
Mucosal abnormalities
Anaemia resulting from folic acid deficiency gives rise to neurological damage? True or False?
False
