Anaemia: Overview

Question 1

What is the definition of anaemia?

Answer 1

-Drop in haemoglobin (protein which carries oxygen in blood) -Due to either aetiology or red cell morphology

Question 2

What is normal Hb levels for male?

Answer 2

13.5-18 g/dl

Question 3

What is normal Hb levels for female?

Answer 3

11.5-16 g/dl

Question 4

How is anaemia classified?

Answer 4

Mean cell volume (volume fo RBC)

1. <82fl = MICROCYTIC

2. 82-100fl = NORMOCYTIC

3. >100fl = MACROCYTIC

Question 5

What is the mean corpuscular haemoglobin and its relevance?

Answer 5

MCH = Mean Hb quatitiy in RBC

(colour so ‘chromic’)

• Most normocytic and macrocytic anaemia = NORMOCHROMIC
• Most microcytic or microchormic EXCEPT ANAEMIA OF CHRONIC DISEASE

Question 6

What is reticulocyte count and relevance?

Answer 6

Number of immature red cells

• Increased in blood loss and haemolytic anaemias because bone marrow works harder to replaced lost RBC

Question 7

CAUSES: Anaemia

Answer 7

1. Microcytic (SIT)

• Sideroblastic
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• B-Thalassaemia

Anaemia of chronic disease (micro/normo)

2. Normocytic

• Acute blood loss
• Haemolytic anaemia
• Sickle cell

3. Macrocytic
   * a) Megaloblastic*

• B12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency

b) Normoblastic

• Alcohol
• Reticulocytosis
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy

Question 8

What are the general clinical features of anaemia?

Answer 8

Symptoms

• Lethargy
• SOB
• Palpitations
• Chest pains
• Headaches

Signs

• Pallor
• Systolic flow murmur