Anaemias Flashcards
What do you use to treat sickle cell disease?
Folate supplementation
What do you use to reduce the frequency of sickle cell crises?
Hydroxycarbamide
What causes glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency?
Inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism
Predisposes haemolytic anaemia in response to certain foods
Drugs - dapsone, sulphonamides, nitrofurantoin, quinolones
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia?
Tiredness
Pallor
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
When is iron deficiency prophylaxis required?
Malabsorption Gastrectomy Menorrhagia Chronic renal failure Haemodialysis Pregnancy Low birth weight infants
What are the counselling points for iron deficiency prophylaxis?
Take with or after food to reduce GI effects
Take with orange juice to aid absorption
Continue for 3 months after blood levels return to normal
When are compound preparations used for prophylaxis of iron deficiency?
Folic acid and iron on,y for pregnant women at high risk of iron and folic acid deficiency
When are parenteral iron preparations used?
Chronic renal failure with haemodialysis
Malabsorption syndromes
Chemotherapy induced anaemia
What is the MHRA advice for parenteral iron preparations?
Serious hypersensitivity reactions with IV iron
Take caution with every dose
Monitor for 30 mins
High risk in allergies
Avoid in pregnancy, especially first trimester
What deficiency causes megaloblastic anaemia?
Vitamin B12 or folic acid
What are the symptoms of megaloblastic anaemia?
Numbness
Tingling in hands and feet
Muscle weakness
Depression
What are the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Dietary deficiency- oral hydroxycobalamin
Malabsorption - IM hydroxycobalamin
In emergencies give folic acid and vitamin B12, folic acid alone can cause neuropathy
What causes folate deficiency?
Poor diet Coeliac Pregnancy Antiepileptics Methotrexate
What is used to treat folate deficiency?
Folic acid daily for 4 months
Never give alone for undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia or vitamin b12 deficiency
Why should you avoid iron overload?
Fatal, especially in children
