Anemia

Question 1

Causes of microcytic anemia

Answer 1

Fe deficiency anemia
Anaemia of Chronic Disease
Thalassemias

Question 2

Treatment of Fe deficiency anaemia

Answer 2

6mg/kg/day of Ferritin = 1ml/kg/day of Ferroliquid

Question 3

Causes of Macroyctic Anemia (more commonly need immediate treatment)

Answer 3

Spurious result (Cold agglutinins)
BM Failure (Aplastic Anemia, Leukemia)
Reticulocytosis 
Vitamin Deficiencies (B12, Folate, Copper)
Hypothyroidism
Liver Disease 
Congenital disorders (Trisomy 21)

Question 4

Causes of normocytic anaemia

Answer 4

Bloods Loss
Decrease production (renal disease)
Haemolytic anemias (acquired vs Congenital)

Question 5

What are some causes of haemolytic anemia

Answer 5

Membrane defects (Spherocytosis, Elliptocytosis)
Enzyme defects (G6PD, Pyruvate Kinase deficiency)
Hemoglobanopathies (Sickle Cell disease)

Question 6

How to diagnose

1. Beta Thalassemia
2. Alpha thalassemia

Answer 6

1. HbA2 levels 3.8 - 7%

2. Alpha thalassemia can be difficult as Hb Electrophoresis can be normal

Question 7

When should you refer patients with anaemia?

Answer 7

Anaemia with no cause found 
Macrocytic anémia (MCV >100)
Anaemia with splenomegaly 
Haemolytic Anaemia
Hemoglobanopathies 
Anaemia associated with neutropenia or thrombocytopenia