Anaemia Flashcards
What is anaemia due to?
The decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood due to a decrease in the quantity of haemoglobin
Pregnancy and lactation can lead to anaemia. True or false?
True
What is folic acid required for?
DNA synthesis
What are the three classifications of anaemia by size?
Macrocystic
Microcystic
Normocystic
What is macrocystic anaemia due to?
B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency = large RBC
What is microcystic anaemia due to?
Deficiency in iron = small RBCs
What is normocystic anaemia due to?
Blood loss = normal RBCs
What are the causes of microcystic anaemia?
Diet low in iron
Increased requirement for iron - pregnancy, lactation
Blood loss - trauma, GIT, menstruation
How is microcystic anaemia treated?
Find out the underlying cause and/or
Oral iron
Oral iron is the first line treatment for iron deficiency. True or false?
True
The greatest iron absorption takes place before food. Why are patients advised to take iron with or after food?
Due to GIT disturbance
What is the dose of elemental iron per day to treat iron deficiency?
100-200mg
What is the dose of elemental iron per day for prophylaxis or mild iron deficiency?
60-130mg
Where is the site where most iron is absorbed?
Duodenum
What is the therapeutic response to oral iron therapy?
Haemoglobin should increase by 2g/100ml over 3-4 weeks
How long should patient continue oral iron therapy for after haemoglobin level is back to normal?
3 months
How can the adverse effects of oral iron therapy be reduced?
Changing the ferrous salt to one that has less elemental iron
Iron and ascorbic acid combination not recommended. True or false?
True
Iron and B12 vitamins not recommended. True or false?
True
What is the combination of iron and folic acid used in?
Prophylaxis in pregnancy
BNF recommends MR iron as it has a therapeutic advantage. True or false?
False - not recommended
Effects of parenteral iron therapy are quicker than oral. True or false?
False
Parenteral iron therapy is used for patients with chronic renal failure. True or false?
True
What are the problems associated with parenteral iron therapy?
Pain
Stains skin
Risk of anaphylaxis
Macrocystic anaemia can also be referred to as _______
megaloblastic
What is the treatment for macrocystic anaemia?
Folic acid 5mg for 4 months
What causes folic acid deficiency?
Diet
Alcoholism
Malabsorption
Pregnancy
What is the drug that is given IM for treatment of B12 deficiency?
Hydroxocobalamin - life long treatment
What are reticulocytes?
Immature red cells that develop into erythrocytes
Iron is transported in plasma attached to transferrin. True or false?
True
What is meant by serum iron?
Amount of iron attached to transferrin
What is total iron binding capacity?
the total amount of iron the plasma could carry
Methylmalonic acid levels are elevated in B12 deficiency but not folic acid. True or false?
True
Serum folate levels are dependent on dietary consumption before test is done. True or false?
True
