Anemia Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of Anemia?

A

Decrease in the number of red blood cells or less than normal quantity of hemoglobin (Hgb) in the blood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What does anemia result in?

A

Decreased oxygenated blood carrying capacity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Where are RBCs developed? Adult/Child

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the components of RBC?

A

Hemoglobin taht contains protein component and heme component

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is erythropoiesis?

A

Works on a feedback loop
– ↓ tissue oxygen concentration signals the kidneys to ↑ production and release of EPO

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does Erythropoiesis do?

A

lStimulates stem cels to differentiate

Increase release of reticulocytes from bone marrow

Induces HB formation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the 3 main causes of anemia?

A

Blood loss
Inadequate RBC production
Excessive RBC destruction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the three different sizes of RBC morphology?

A

Microcytic, Normocytic, Macrocytic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the three different colours of RBC?

A

Hypochromic
Normochromic
Hyperchromic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

If considered less then <80 fl what is the relative size?

A

Microcytic or small

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

If considered between 80-100 fl what is the relative size?

A

Normocytic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

If considered less then >100 fl what is the relative size?

A

Macrocytic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is colour reflected in with respect to RBC?>

A

by the mean corpuscular Hb concentration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the primary cause of microcytic based RB? (2)

A

primarily a result of Hb synthesis failure or Hb
insufficiency

can be due to issues with the “heme” portion or the “globin” portion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What does normocytic anemia mean?

A

RBC are
normal-sized but there is a low # of them
– ↓ decreased production or ↑ destruction or loss

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

With respect to macrocytic what can the RBC be?

A

Megaoblastic or Non-Megablastic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is megaloblastic RBCs? Caused by?

A

–mpaired DNA synthesis – Ex: B12, folate deficiency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is Non-megaloblastic RBCs? Caused by?

A

Not caused by impaired DNA synthesis

Liver disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the general onset of anemia?

A

May be acute or develop slowly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the end result in anemia?

A

Decrease in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Common symptoms of anemia?

A

– Fatigue, dizziness, weakness, SOB, tachycardia
– ↓ mental acuity
– Pallor, cold extremities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the diagnosis of anemia usually include?

A

Medical history
Physical exam
Lab Evaluation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What things the medical history are we looking for?

A

– Past & current hgb & bloodwork if available
– Comorbid conditions
– Occupational, environmental & social history
– Transfusion
– Family history
– Medications

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What things in the Physical examination are we looking for?

A

– Pallor
– Postural hypotension, tachycardia (hypovolemia – acute blood loss)
– Neurologic findings (B12 deficiency)
– Jaundice? (hemolysis)
– Bleeding gums, blood in stool, urine, epistaxis etc. (hemorrhage)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What lab values are we investigating with respect to Complete blood count

A

Hb
Hematocrit
RBC count
RBC indices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is Hematocrit?

A

Packed cell volume

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the RBC indicies MCV?

A

Mean Corpuscular Volume

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the RBC indicies MCH?

A

Mean corpuscular hemoglobim

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is the RBC indicies MCHC?q

A

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What is the RBC indicies RDW

A

Red blood cell distribution width

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is Mean Corpuscular hemoglobin

A

Average amount of hemoglobin in each RBC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

According to WHO what is ocnsidered low hemoglobin?

A

Men <130
Women <120

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is iron deficient anemia?

A

A negative state of iron balance in which daily iron intake are unable to meet RBC and other body tissue needs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What are the causes of Iron Deficient Anemia?

A

Lack of Dietary intake
Blood loss
Decrease absorption
Increased requirement
Impaired utilization

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is the Acronym NIMBLE stand for?

A

Need – increased need as in pregnancy, children during stages
of rapid growth, etc.

Intake is low, e.g. in malnutrition

Malabsorption

Blood

Loss, e.g. GI bleeding

Excessive donation, e.g. in blood donors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Why do we treat Iron deficient anemia?

A

Low risk of mortaility, but can cause or aggravate underlying pulmonary/CV dosirders

Morbidity, May impair daily functiontining. Slowed growth rate in children and decreased ability to learn

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is Splenomegaly?

A

Enlarged spleen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is Anemia associated with in elderly?

A

– ↑ risk of hospitalization and mortality – ↓ quality of life
– ↓ physical functioning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

In pregnancy anemia increases risk for?

A

Low birth weights
Preterm delivery
Perinatal Mortality

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

How muhc iron does our body contain?

A

3-5g with 2g found in Hg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What form is iron usually storred as?

A

Ferritin or aggregated ferritin in the liver spleen and bone marrow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Where is a small fraction of iron storred?

A

Plasma which most is bound to transferrin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What is serum iron?

A

Concentration of iron bound to transferrin. Best interpreted in context with TIBC; fluctuate, subject to individual diurnal variation & may remain in normal range when iron stores are dropping

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What is ferritin?

A

– ‘Storage iron’
– Most sensitive but non-specific and is elevated in inflammatory conditions, liver disorders etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What is the definition of TIBC?

A

Total iron binding capacity

– Indirect measurement of iron-binding capacity of transferrin, performed by adding and excess of iron to plasma to saturate and then removing the excess
– Serum transferrin receptor levels , which reflect the amount of RBC precursors available for active proliferation are increased in iron deficiency anemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What is Tsat?

A

(% transferrin saturation)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What is tsat define?

A

– A measure of how much serum iron is actually bound – Serum iron ÷ TIBC x 100

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

In iron deficiency anemia what are we expecting to see with respect to decreases?

A

Ferritin
Serum Iron
Transferrin saturation
Hb and Hct (Decline later)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What do we expect to see increases in with respect to iron deficiency anemia?

A

Total iron binding capacity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

What is the general RBC morphology in Iron deficient anemia?

A

– Microcytic (↓ MCV)

– Hypochromic (↓ MCHC)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Where is Heme iron derived from?

A

– Derived from animal proteins
– Better absorbed, more consistent absorption (~23% more) – Less affected by dietary factors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Where is non-heme iron derived from>?

A

– Plant sources
– Fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, grains, iron-fortified foods/supplements
– Requires acidic GI pH for absorption

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

What decreases absorption of iron?

A

Phytates *Grains, brans)
Polyphenols/tannins (Coffee/tea)

Calcium

PPIs, H2RAs

Bariatric surgery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

What increases iron absorption?

A

Stomach acidity
Eating heme and non heme soources at the same time

Cook with cast iron or stainless steel to increase the amount of non-heme iron

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

What are the three criteria assessed for iron deficiency anemia?

A

Based on:
– Symptoms
– Medical history
– CBC, labs, morphology

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

What are the other symptoms that may occur with iron deficient anemia?

A

– Brittle, spoon-shaped nails
– Pica
– Pagophagia
– Smooth tongue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

What is PICA?

A

craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

What are the 2 formulations available for iron?

A

Oral and parenteral iron therapy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

What is the general adult dosing of iron each day?

A

105-200mg elemntal per day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

% of absorption of F Fumerate

A

33%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

% of absorption of F Sulphate

A

20%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

% of absorption of F Gluconate

A

11%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

Whaat is the % of absorption of polysaccaride iron complex

A

Feramax 100%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

Are supplements usually heme or non-heme sources?

A

Non-heme

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

What are some things to remember when taking iron?

A

– remembering to take on empty stomach
– Make sure patients know how to take iron in relation to other meds, etc (and why!)
– avoiding interactions with other foods/drinks/meds/minerals, etc

66
Q

What is the length of therapy with iron?

A

– need to take it for an extended period of time

67
Q

What is the pediatric weight of iron dosing?

A

3-6 mg/kg/d divided tid

68
Q

What is important when using formulations for pediatrics?

A

DOUBLE CHECK CONCENTRATION

69
Q

What is iron dose lead to>?

A

In children it is toxic?

70
Q

Can iron stain teeth?

A

yEs

71
Q

What are the Sx’s of iron poisoning?

A

– Severe vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Abdominal pain
– Dehydration and lethargy if not treated adequately – A child’s vomit or stool may be bloody.

72
Q

What can Deferoxamine be used for?

A

Bind up excess iron in iron poisoning

73
Q

When is IV iron usually used?

A

– evidence of iron malabsorption
– intolerance to oral iron
– long-term non-adherence to oral therapy – excessive iron loss

74
Q

What is the formulations of IV iron?

A

Iron sucrose
Iron Sodium ferric gluconate
Iron Isomaltoside

75
Q

What is the risk of iron IV?

A

Anaphylaxis

76
Q

How long should be treat with iron?

A

Hb concetration increases at a rate of 10g/L per week

Anemia is corrected by 6 weeks

Need to continue tx for at least 3 months after the anemia is resolved

77
Q

How do we monitor anemia treatment?

A

– Allow for repletion of iron stores and to prevent relapse – Monitor via ferritin

78
Q

What type of chains are present in infants?

A

Gamma chains which allows for more oxygen to be carried

79
Q

What is the average RBC turnover?

A

120 days

80
Q

What happens with decreasing kidney function?

A

Anemia

81
Q

What is Hematocrit?

A

Percentage of RBC in body

82
Q

What is vitamin B12 required for?

A

proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis

83
Q

Can the body make vitamin B12?

A

NO

84
Q

How long does B12 deficiency take to develop?

A

Many Years

85
Q

Where can you find Vitamin B12?

A

Anything that walks swim or flies contains vitamin B12

86
Q

What is the required amount of B12 required in pregnancy?

A

2.6mcg

87
Q

What is the required amount of B12 required in Lactation?

A

2.8mcg

88
Q

How does B12 get broken down in the stomach?

A

HCL (Stomach acid)

89
Q

What is the gastric parietal cell?

A

These types of cellsl ive in the gut and they produce intrinsic factor?

90
Q

What is the prupose of intrinsic factor?

A

Combines with free b12 in its free form

91
Q

What happens once IF-B12 enters the terminal illeum?

A

the IF is discarded and the b12 is bound to a transport protein transcobalmin II for secretion into the blood

92
Q

What is the issue with B12 absorption

A

Generally poor

93
Q

When does absorption of B12 decrease?

A

When the capacity of IF is exceeded

94
Q

Who is at risk of decreased B12 absorption?

A

Vegans, elderly

95
Q

What happens if we do not have enough intrinsic factor?

A

This can lead to what we call pernicious anemia

96
Q

How does IF deficiency occur?

A

Autoimmune disease generally. Leading to malabsorption of B12

97
Q

What does IF deficiency result in physiologically

A

Destruction of parietal cells
Achlorhydria
Failure to produce IF

98
Q

What is Achlorhydria

A

A condition in which the stomach does not produce hydrochloric acid

99
Q

What occurs in B12 deficient anemia?

A

Typical anemia Sx

Numbness/tingling in hands and feet
Difficulty maintaining balance
Depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory

Mouth sores

100
Q

Neurological sx of B12 deficiency are often progressive and can be?

A

Irreversibly

101
Q

What can the labs tell us with B-12 deficiency?

A

B12 levels are low

102
Q

What labs in b12 deficiency will be increased?

A

– serum homocysteine level (early)
– Methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels

103
Q

What lab values will decrease in b12 deficiency

A

– serum or plasma vitamin B12 levels

104
Q

What will be the RBC presentation in B12 Deficiency?

A

– macrocytic (↑ MCV)
– normochromic (normal MCHC)

105
Q

What pathway is B12 involed in?

A

MMA –> Succinyl CoA

Homocysteine –> Methionine

106
Q

In infants why is it important to treat B12-Deficiency?

A

– failure to thrive, movement disorders, developmental
delays

Irreversible neurological damage

-↑ homocysteine levels are a risk factor for CV disease, some links to Alzheimer’s

107
Q

What is the general treatments of B12 deficiency?

A

Correct underlying cause (if possible)
* Replenish stores
* Reverse symptoms (or slow progression if irreversible)

108
Q

What is B12 treatment in deficiency not related to pernicious anemia?

A

– 100 ug daily orally has been shown to normalize B12 levels within one month

109
Q

In patients with impaired absorption

A

~1% of an oral dose of B12 can be absorbed by non- IF process

110
Q

When is IM B12 supplementation generally used?

A

– Pernicious anemia
– Severe malabsorption issues
– Non-adherence with oral therapy
– Neurologic symptoms (until resolution)

111
Q

What are the disadvantages of B12 IM

A

– More expensive, inconvenient, injection related s/e

112
Q

What is the initial treatment of B12-Deficiency?

A

B12 deficiency (e.g. diet)

  • Initial treatment:
    – 30 g ug daily SC/IM × 5–10 days or 500-2000 ug daily PO
113
Q

What is the Lifelong maintenance of B12 supplementaiton?

A

– 100–200 ug monthly SC/IM or 250 ug daily PO

114
Q

What is the intial treatment for Pernicious anemia or other chronic malabsorption disorders?

A

Initial treatment:
– 100 ug daily SC/IM × 1 wk; 200 ug weekly SC/IM until Hb
normalizes

115
Q

What is the life long maintenance in pernicious anemia?

A

– 100 ug monthly SC/IM OR 1000–2000 ug daily PO

116
Q

What is folate?

A

Water soluble B-Vitamin

117
Q

How much folate is generally stored in the liver?

A

– ~4-6 mos supply stored in liver (may deplete in 6wks if diet is severely deficient)

118
Q

Where is folate absorbed

A

– Synthetic FA absorbs better than food-source folate

119
Q

What is the importance of Folate?

A

Tetrahydrofolate (THF) is a cofactor in DNA synthesis, metabolism of homocysteine

Folate also important to prevent neural-tube defects

120
Q

What are good dietary sources of folate?

A

– leafy green vegetables (spinach)
– fruits (citrus fruits and juices)
– dried beans and peas
– beef liver
– fortified cereals (contain folic acid instead of folate)

121
Q

What is the needed folate intake in pregnancy?

A

600ug

122
Q

What is the needed folate intake in lactation

A

500

123
Q

Causes of folate deficiency

A

Inadequate intake
Increased requirements
Malabsorption
Certain Drugs

124
Q

Drugs that cause folate deficiency

A
  • Anticonvulsant medications: phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid
    – Affect folate absorption and/or cell utilization
  • Metformin
  • Methotrexate
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Triamterene
  • Trimethoprim (as found in cotrimoxazole)
125
Q

What are the symptoms of Folate related deficiency?

A

Similar to those seen with B12 Deficiency but without neurological symptoms***

126
Q

What are the lab related values evaluated in folate deficient anemia?

A

– ↓ serum folate (may sometimes be WNL) * Order RBC folate
– ↑ homocysteine levels
– Always check B12 levels!

127
Q

What is decreased in folate deficiency related anemia?

A

Serum folate

128
Q

What is increased in folate deficient anemia?

A

Homocysteine levels

129
Q

What is the RBC presentation in folate deficient anemia?

A

Macrocytic, normochromic (indistinguishable from B12 deficiency)

130
Q

What pathway does folate take part in?

A

Homocysteine to methionine

131
Q

Why do we treat folate deficient anemia in pregnancy?

A

– low birth weight, prematurity
– neural tube defects

132
Q

Why do we treat folate deficient anemia in Children?

A

Slow overall growth rate

133
Q

What is the treatment dose of folate deficient anemia?

A

– 1mg/day folic acid usually sufficient

– 5mg/day (Rx) if absorption compromised or drug-induced deficiency

134
Q

What is the duration of folate deficient anemia treatment?

A
  • 4 mos to allow all folate-deficient RBCs to be cleared from the circulation

– May continue long-term (drug-induced,malabsorption)

– Correct diet

135
Q

What occurs with concurrent B12 Deficiency?

A

– symptoms of anemia will improve and a partial hematologic response will occur with folate replacement

136
Q

Will folate reverse B12 deficiency related neurological issues?

A

No, instead it may mask a B12 deficiency

137
Q

What is hemolytic Anemia?

A

Decreased survival time of RBCs secondary to destruction in the spleen or circulation

138
Q

What is the RBC lifespan in Hemolytic anemia>

A

RBC lifespan can be as short as 5 days!

139
Q

What is the presentation of RBC in Hemolytic anemia?

A

– Usually normocytic and normochromic
– Increased levels of reticulocytes

140
Q

What is the cause of hemolytic anemia?

A

Idiopathic
Immune reactions
Drug induced

141
Q

Which enzyme may cause hemolytic anemia?

A

G6PD enzyme deficiency

142
Q

What is the treatment of Hemolytic anemia?

A

– correcting or controlling the underlying cause

– steroids and other immunosuppressive agents have been used for management of autoimmune hemolytic anemias

– splenectomy is sometimes indicated in an attempt to reduce RBC destruction

143
Q

What is the causes of Sickle Cell anemia?

A
  • Autosomal recessive Hgb disorder characterized by a DNA substitution at the β-globulin gene
144
Q

What is the abnormal HB called in Sickle Cell anemia?

A

Hemoglobin S

145
Q

Symptoms of Sickle Cell anemia?

A

– Impaired growth and development
– Enlarged spleen
– Chronic damage to many organs

146
Q

How is sickle cell anemia diagonised?

A

– Hb electrophoresis→HbS present

147
Q

What is the RBC presentaiton in sickle cell anemia?

A

– Normochromic, normocytic – Presence of sickled cells

148
Q

What is the treatment of sickle cell anemia?

A

Treat as symptoms occur

149
Q

What is hydroxyurea treatment?

A

– seems to work by stimulating production of fetal Hb – HbF helps prevent the formation of sickle cells
– concern re tumors/leukemia with long-term use

Sickle Cell Anemia

150
Q

What is the presentaiton of Anemia of chronic disease?

A

– may be mild, non-specific

151
Q

What are the labs of Anemia of chronic disease?

A

– ↓ Hct
– ↓ serum iron but normal or ↑ ferritin and normal or ↓ TIBC

152
Q

In Anemia of chronic disease what is Serum Ferritin, Serum Iron, TSAT, TIBC and HB?

A
153
Q

In Iron deficient anemia what is Serum Ferritin, Serum Iron, TSAT, TIBC and HB?

A
154
Q

In anemia of critically ill patients what do we see decreases in?

A

– serum iron, TIBC, iron/TIBC ratio

– serum ferritin is normal to high

155
Q

What is the treatment of Anemia in critically ill?

A

– address cause
– exogenous EPO may/may not improve clinical outcomes

156
Q

What is aplastic anemia?

A
  • Failure of pluripotent stem cells in bone marrow * Hematopoiesis is interrupted
    – See anemia (RBC), neutropenia (WBC), thrombocytopenia (platelets)
157
Q

What are the Aplastic Anemia symptoms

A
  • variable; depends on which cell line is affected the most
    – Anemia sx (fatigue, pallor, etc)
    – Bleeding
    – Fever, infection
158
Q

What is the treatment of Aplastic Anemia?

A

– Supportive care, Removal of causative agent

– Bone-marrow transplant or Immunosuppression if not possible

159
Q

What are microcytic RBC presentations for which anemias?

A

– Iron deficiency, thalassemia,
anemia of chronic disease

160
Q

What are the normocytic anemia presentations?

A

– Sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, anemia of chronic disease, anemia due to CKD, mixed deficiency anemias

161
Q

What are the macrocytic anemia presentations?

A

–B12/folic acid deficiency, liver disease