Anemia Flashcards
What is anemia?
A decrease in red blood cell (RBC) mass
What is the WHO cutoff for anemia in adult males?
Hemoglobin <13 g/dL.
What is the WHO cutoff for anemia in non-pregnant women?
Hemoglobin <12 g/dL.
What is the WHO cutoff for anemia in pregnant women?
Hemoglobin <11 g/dL.
What is the most common cause of anemia globally?
Iron deficiency.
What are the three main classifications of anemia based on pathophysiology?
Decreased production
What is the most common type of anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
What is the hallmark of microcytic anemia?
Low mean corpuscular volume (MCV <80 fL).
What are the common causes of microcytic anemia?
Iron deficiency
What is the hallmark of macrocytic anemia?
High mean corpuscular volume (MCV >100 fL).
What are the common causes of macrocytic anemia?
Vitamin B12 deficiency
What is the hallmark of normocytic anemia?
Normal mean corpuscular volume (MCV 80-100 fL).
What are the common causes of normocytic anemia?
Hemolysis
What is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia (IDA)?
Chronic blood loss (e.g.
What is the most common symptom of iron deficiency anemia (IDA)?
Fatigue.
What is pica?
A craving for non-nutritive substances (e.g.
What is the most specific test for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia (IDA)?
Serum ferritin (low in IDA).
What is the normal range for serum ferritin?
12-300 ng/mL (varies by lab).
What is the treatment for iron deficiency anemia (IDA)?
Oral iron supplementation (e.g.
How long should oral iron therapy be continued after hemoglobin normalizes?
6-12 months to replenish iron stores.
What is the most common side effect of oral iron therapy?
Gastrointestinal distress (e.g.
What is the alternative to oral iron therapy in patients who cannot tolerate it?
Parenteral (IV) iron therapy.
What is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Pernicious anemia (autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells).
What is the most common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Neurologic symptoms (e.g.
What is the treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 injections (intramuscular or subcutaneous).
What is the most common cause of folate deficiency?
Poor dietary intake (e.g.
What is the treatment for folate deficiency?
Oral folic acid supplementation.
What is the most common cause of anemia of chronic disease (ACD)?
Chronic inflammation (e.g.
What is the key mechanism of anemia of chronic disease (ACD)?
Increased hepcidin levels
What is the treatment for anemia of chronic disease (ACD)?
Erythropoietin (EPO) therapy and treating the underlying condition.
What is the target hemoglobin level for erythropoietin (EPO) therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
10-12 g/dL.
What is the most common cause of hemolytic anemia?
Autoimmune hemolysis (e.g.
What is the hallmark of hemolytic anemia?
Elevated reticulocyte count and indirect bilirubin.
What is the treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)?
Corticosteroids (e.g.
What is the most common cause of anemia in sickle cell disease?
Chronic hemolysis.
What is the treatment for anemia in sickle cell disease?
Blood transfusions and hydroxyurea.
What is the most common cause of anemia in thalassemia?
Reduced or absent synthesis of globin chains (alpha or beta).
What is the treatment for thalassemia major?
Regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy.
What is the most common cause of anemia in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)?
Ineffective erythropoiesis.
What is the treatment for anemia in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)?
Erythropoietin (EPO) therapy and blood transfusions.
What is the most common cause of anemia in hypothyroidism?
Reduced erythropoietin (EPO) production.
What is the treatment for anemia in hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone replacement).
What is the most common cause of anemia in chronic liver disease?
Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) and folate deficiency.
What is the treatment for anemia in chronic liver disease?
Treat the underlying liver disease and provide folate supplementation if deficient.
What is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy?
Iron deficiency due to increased demand.
What is the treatment for anemia in pregnancy?
Oral iron supplementation and dietary changes.
What is the most common cause of anemia in the elderly?
Chronic disease (e.g.
What is the treatment for anemia in the elderly?
Treat the underlying cause (e.g.
What is the most common cause of anemia in vegetarians?
Vitamin B12 deficiency due to lack of animal products.
What is the treatment for anemia in vegetarians?
Vitamin B12 supplementation (oral or injections).
