Anaemia Flashcards
What is the definition of anaemia?
A reduced total red cell mass
What will happen to the reticulocyte count in anaemias caused by a decreased production of red blood cells?
Low reticulocyte count
What will happen to the reticulocyte count in anaemias caused by an increased loss or destruction of red blood cells?
High reticulocyte count
What are the two main examples of anaemia caused by increased loss or destruction of red blood cells?
Bleeding and haemolysis
A blood film which is ‘polychromatic’ suggests the presence of what cells?
Reticulocytes
What products of red blood cell breakdown may be present in excess in patients with haemolytic anaemia?
Serum unconjugated bilirubin and urinary urobilinogen
What type of murmur may be heard in patients with anaemia?
Ejection systolic murmur loudest over the apex
What cause of a microcytic, hypochromic anaemia is caused by a deficiency of globin chains, rather than a deficiency of haem?
Thalassaemia
What type of anaemia (i.e. micro, normo or macrocytic) is sideroblastic anaemia?
Microcytic anaemia
What is the most common cause of microcytic anaemia?
Iron deficiency
What happens to the ferritin level in microcytic anaemia caused by iron deficiency?
Low ferritin
What happens to the ferritin level in microcytic anaemia not caused by iron deficiency?
High/normal ferritin
What happens to the total iron binding capacity in microcytic anaemia caused by iron deficiency?
High total iron binding capacity
What happens to the total iron binding capacity in microcytic anaemia not caused by iron deficiency?
Low total iron binding capacity
What happens to the % saturation of transferrin in iron deficiency anaemia?
Low % saturation of transferrin
What happens to the % saturation of transferrin in anaemia of chronic disease?
Low % saturation of transferrin
A blood film showing anisopoikilocytosis, target cells and pencil pokilocytes is suggestive of what diagnosis?
Iron deficiency anaemia
What are the three main reasons for being iron deficient, leading to anaemia?
Blood loss, insufficient nutritional intake, reduced absorption
What diagnosis should always be considered in men or post-menopausal women with iron deficiency anaemia?
GI blood loss
What condition is most likely to cause a deficiency of iron absorbed, leading to anaemia?
Coeliac disease
What is the treatment for iron deficiency anaemia?
Oral ferrous sulphate
How long should ferrous sulphate be taken for when treating iron deficiency anaemia?
For 3 months after the deficiency has been corrected