Anemia Flashcards
Here’s a picture. Have a look. Yay, Sickle Cell Anemia.
Things to notice:
HbA and HbS
Cell Shape
Occlusion
What is Anemia?
A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood.
What is erythropoiesis?
Erythopoiesis is the production of red blood cells.
How many units of oxygen can each hemaglobin carry?
Four.
What does oxygen bind to in a hemaglobin molecule?
Iron.
What type of proteins are contained in a hemaglobin molecule?
Alpha and Beta Globin
What is the life-span of RBC’s?
120 days
What is hemolysis?
The rupture or destruction of red blood cells.
What are the three etiologies of anemia?
- Defective erythropoiesis. 2. Increased Hemolysis. 3. Increased loss of Hemoglobin due to Hemorrage.
What is the Pathophysiology of Anemia?
Abnormal RBC number, structure or function which leads to a decreased oxygen carrying capacity by the blood. This results in hypoxia.
What is the underlying manifestation of Anemia?
Hypoxia
What are some moderate manifestations of Anemia?
Dyspnea (difficult/laboured breathing), Palpitations, Chronic Fatigue.
What are some manifestation of severe Anemia?
Chronic exhaustion, Increased palpitations because of systemic hypoxia (it affects the heart muscle), profound weakness, dizziness, headache, sensitivity to cold.
Why does an Anemic individual have sensitivity to cold?
Our normal metabolisim produces heat from the releasing energy of ATP. As one becomes incresingly anemic, the body becoms more hypoxic and has less ATP/Energy to use as a heat source.
What is the main complication of Anemia?
Acidosis. As the body becomes more hypoxic we use alternative sources of energy, which results in a buildup of acid with-in the body.
How many different types of Anemia are there? What are they called?
- Iron deficiency 2. Vit. B12 and Folic Acid deficiency 3. Pernicious Anemia 4. Aplastic Anemia 5. Hemolytic Anemia 6. Hemorrhagic Anemia 7. Sickle Cell Anemia
What is Iron deficient anemia?
Iron deficient Anemia occurs because there is an inadequate intake or there is too much lost. The loss of iron is typically due to impared Hemaglobin synthesis.
Why does an iron defiency result in Anemia?
When there is a lack of iron in the RBCs, they lack the ability to carry and transport oxygen. The decreased ability of the RBCs to carry and deliver oxygen results in hypoxia. So, there may not be a decrease in the number of Hemoglobin in the blood, but there is a reduced ability to deliver oxygen.