anemia

Question 1

The differences in red blood cell volumes are classified based on their size:

Answer 1

Microcytic: Smaller than normal (e.g., iron deficiency anemia).

Normocytic: Normal size (e.g., normocytic normochromic anemia).

Macrocytic: Larger than normal (e.g., vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency).

These classifications help in diagnosing the underlying causes of anemia.

Question 2

What nutritional deficiency could lead to her condition?

Answer 2

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to macrocytic anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin and high MCV. This deficiency often results from gastrointestinal issues that impair nutrient absorption, which aligns with the patient’s symptoms.

Question 3

What is the most likely etiology of her condition?

Answer 3

Blood loss is a cause of anemia, but her microcytic hypochromic anemia is due to impaired RBC production from iron deficiency.

Answer 4

I. Defect in Erythropoiesis (Dyserythropoiesis):
Either due to:

a. Deficiency of ingredients:

Iron deficiency:
Lead to decrease in haemoglobin with decrease in MCV & MCHC (i.e. decrease in red blood cells size & color= microcytic Hypochromic anaemia ) .
Vit B12 & folic acid

deficiency: Lead to decrease in haemoglobin with increase in MCV (i.e. increase in size= Macrocytic anaemia ) .

b. Deficiency in promotores :

Erythropoietin deficiency: as in chronic renal failure Leads to decrease in haemoglobin with no change in MCV (i.e N ormo ocytic anaemia ) .
Decrease in thyroxin: as in Hypothyroidism.

c. Bone marrow failure (Aplastic anaemia):

due to drugs ,Radiations…..etc. Aplastic anaemia leads to decrease in haemoglobin with no change in MCV (i.e N ormo ocytic anaemia ) .