Anaemia - Intro Flashcards
What is the definition of anaemia?
Anaemia is a reduced total red cell mass (haemoglobin) defined by
(1) Hb <130g/L in adult males
(2) Hb <120g/L in adult female
What is the normal response of the body to anaemia?
Increase red cell production = reticulocytosis
What are reticulocytes?
Reticulocytes are newly released red blood cells from the bone marrow, larger than regular RBCs, and still contain remnants of RNA
What does polychromasia in a blood film indicate?
It indicates the presence of reticulocytes, which stain purple or deeper red due to RNA remnants
What does a high reticulocyte count indicate?
A high reticulocyte count suggests increased red cell destruction or loss (e.g., bleeding or haemolysis)
What does a low reticulocyte count indicate?
Suggests decreased red cell production
(eg) in hyperproliferative anaemia or maturation abnormalities
What are two causes of decreased red cell production?
- Hypoproliferative (reduced erythropoiesis)
- Maturation abnormalities (e.g., impaired haemoglobinisation or cell division)
What are two causes of increased red cell destruction or loss?
- Bleeding
- Haemolysis
What are common symptoms of anaemia?
(1) Breathlessness
(2) Fatigue
(3) Headaches
(4) Palpitations
(5) Faintness
What are common signs of anaemia?
(1) Pallor
(2) tachycardia
(3) systolic flow murmur
(4) cardiac failure
What investigations are used to diagnose anaemia?
(1) FBC
(2) Blood film
(3) Reticulocyte count - assess marrow response
When is an urgent RBC transfusion needed in anaemia?
When Hb <70g/L
What does hypoproliferative mean?
Reduced amount of erythropoiesis
What does maturation abnormality mean?
Erythropoiesis is present but ineffective. Can cause cytoplasmic and nuclear defects
What does erythropoiesis mean?
The process of making red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow. It is stimulated by erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone the kidneys produce in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia). Stimulates RBC formation and requires nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate.
