Anaemia Flashcards
What are 5 causes of normocytic anaemia?
- Anaemia of chronic disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Aplastic anaemia
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Acute blood loss
What are 5 causes of microcytic anaemia?
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
- Thalassaemia
- Congenital sideroblastic anaemia
- Anaemia of chronic disease (more commonly normocytic, normochromic)
- Lead poisoning
What should you be worried about if you see normoal haemoglobin level with microcytosis?
if not at risk of thalassaemia, should raise possibility of polycythaemia rubra vera
What should you investigate for in new onset microcytic anaemia in elderly patients?
urgently investigate to exclude underlying malignancy
What are 2 groups that macrocytic anaemia can be grouped into?
megaloblastic bone marrow, and normoblastic bone marrow
What are 2 megaloblastic causes of macrocytic anaemia?
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
What are 7 normoblastic causes of macrocytic anaemia?
- Alcohol
- Liver disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Pregnancy
- Reticulocytosis
- Myelodysplasia
- Drugs: cytotoxics
What is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide?
iron deficiency anaemia
How does iron deficiency cause anaemia?
iron is needed to make haemoglobin in red blood cells, therefore a deficiency of iron leads to a reduction in red blood cells/ hb i.e. anaemia
What are the 4 main causes of iron deficiency anaemia?
- Excessive blood loss
- Inadequate dietary intake
- Poor intestinal absorption
- Increased iron requirements
Which age group has the highest prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia?
preschool age children
What is the commonest cause of excessive blood loss leading to IDA in women?
blood loss due to menorrhagia
What is the commonest cause of excessive blood loss leading to IDA in men and post-menopausal women?
gastrointestinal bleeding - always suspect colon cancer
What are 2 sources of iron in the diet?
- meat
- dark green leafy vegetables
What are 2 states of increased iron requirements which can lead to IDA?
- Children - during periods of rapid growth
- Pregnancy