Anemia

Question 1

Define anemia

Answer 1

reduction in either total number of RBCs, amount of hemoglobin in the circulation, or circulating RBC mass

Question 2

Absolute anemia is decreased red blood cell mass; relative anemia is due to increased plasma value. When does one see relative anemia?

Answer 2

pregnancy, excessive hydration, macroglobulinemia

Question 3

What are general signs of anemia?

Answer 3

pallor, fatigue, syncope, dyspnea, tachycardia, heart murmurs, postural hypotension

Question 4

For the following cell size, give the characteristics of normal and high RDW associated with it: microcytic (MCV

Answer 4

normal: thalassemia minor anemia of chronic disease; some hemoglobinopathy traits
high: iron deficiency, some anemia of chronic disease, some thalassemia minor, fragmentation hemolysis

Question 5

For the following cell size, give the characteristics of normal and high RDW associated with it: normocytic (MCV 80-100)

Answer 5

normal: anemia of a chronic disease; hereditary spherocytosis; some hemoglobinopathy traits; acute bleeding
high: early or partially treated iron or vitamin deficiency; SCD

Question 6

For the following cell size, give the characteristics of normal and high RDW associated with it: macrocytic (MCV > 100)

Answer 6

normal: aplastic anemia; some myelodysplasias
high: vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, liver disease, ETOH, thyroid disease

Question 7

Give some examples of metabolism disorders that cause microcytic hypochromic anemias

Answer 7

iron deficiency
chronic disease
neoplasia

Question 8

Sideroblastic anemia, hereditary anemia, acquired idiopathic anemia and acquired toxic anemia are all disorders involving what?

Answer 8

heme synthesis

note: cause microcytic hypochromic anemias

Question 9

Thalassemias can cause microcytic hopochromic anemia and they involve ____ synthesis

Answer 9

globin

Question 10

Iron deficiency anemia has many signs and symptoms that are similar to other anemias. What are the symptoms that are unique?

Answer 10

pica: eating dirt
koilonchia: spooning of nails
glossitis

Question 11

What are the morphologic findings of iron deficiency anemia?

Answer 11

microcytic hypochromic anemia, anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, decreased reticulocyte count, mild thrombocytosis