Anaemias Flashcards
When should iron deficiency be treated?
Only when there is a demonstrable iron-deficiency state.
What factors are used to determine the choice or oral iron preparations for the treatment of iron deficiency?
The incidence of side effects and cost.
What is the usual daily dose of elemental iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia?
100 to 200mg daily.
Is haemoglobin regeneration rate affected by the choice of iron salt used for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia?
No.
How long does treatment for iron deficiency anaemia take to increase haemoglobin concentration? For how long after this should treatment continue to replenish iron stores?
Rise in haemoglobin concentration takes 3-4 weeks. Treatment should be continued for a further three months to replenish iron stores.
What is one of the common side effects of oral iron supplements which can be reduced by taking the supplements with food?
Stomach disturbances.
When is parenteral oral supplementation used?
When oral therapy is unsuccessful because the patient cannot tolerate oral iron, there is continuing blood loss or in malabsorption.
Does parenteral iron supplementation give a faster haemoglobin response than oral iron supplementation?
No.
There is a risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions with the use of parenteral iron supplementation. What should be done if these reactions occur?
Treatment should be stopped immediately.
What are the risk factors for a patient experiencing serious hypersensitivity reactions when using parenteral iron supplementation?
Patients with known allergies, immune or inflammatory conditions, those with a history of severe asthma, eczema or another atopic allergy.
In patients at a high risk of experiencing a serious hypersensitivity reaction to parenteral iron supplementation, when should this form or iron supplementation be used?
When the benefits outweigh the risks.
With regards to pregnancy, when should parenteral iron supplementation be used or not?
Avoided in the first trimester and only used in the second or third if the benefit outweighs the risk for both mother and foetus.
What are the main causes of megaloblastic anaemias?
A lack of either vitamin B12 or folate. A lack of gastric intrinsic factor resulting from an autoimmune gastritis causes malabsorption of vitamin B12.
What drug is the choice for the treatment of vitamin B12?
Hydroxocobalamin.
Why is hydroxocobalamin preferred to cyanocobalamin for the treatment of B12 deficiency?
Hydroxocobalamin remains in the body for longer, thus reducing the dosing intervals (3 months).
