Anemia Flashcards
Name the 4 pathological processes involved in anemia of chronic disease
- Chronic infection
- Chronic inflammation
- Neoplasia
- Chronic kidney disease
Characterise anemia of chronic disease
Normocytic and normochromic
Name the protein used to transfer iron in the bloodstream
Transferrin
Characterise iron deficiency anemia
Microcytic hypochromic
What does normochromic mean
Concentration of haemoglobin in an average RBC is normal
What are the 2 subdivisions of macrocytic anemias?
Nonmegaloblastic and megaloblastic
Suggest 4 potential causes of non megaloblastic anemia
- Alcoholism
- Liver disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Myelodisplastic syndromes
What other 2 blood abnormalities often accompany a non megaloblastic macrocytic anemia in cases of myelodisplastic syndrome?
- Leukocytopenia
2. Thrombocytopenia
Suggest 5 medications that can cause a macrocytic anemia
- Drugs that affect DNA synthesis
- Trimethoprim
- Phenytoin, sodium valproate
- Metformin
- Antivirals e.g. Valacyclovir
Give 3 examples of drugs that affect DNA synthesis
- Azathioprine
- Cyclophosphamide
- Sulphasalazine
What is the most common cause of megaloblastic anemia?
Pernicious anemia
What are the 3 potential causes of vitamin B12 deficiency?
- Malabsorption (pernicious anemia or coeliac disease)
- Insufficient dietary intake
- HIV
Where in the digestive system is folate absorbed?
Passive diffusion in the jejunum
What is the function of vitamin B12?
Coenzyme that produces methionine from homocysteine. This then converts folic acid into its active form.
What are the 3 textbook physical signs of anemia?
- Pallor
- Bounding Pulse
- Systolic flow murmur
What are the ‘normal’ ranges for Hb in males and females respectively?
Male - 121-166 g/L
Female - 121-151 g/L
What is the ‘normal’ MCV range?
77-94 fl
What is the normal MCH range?
27-34 pg
What is a normal white cell count?
4.5-13.0 *10^9/L
What is a normal neutrophil count?
1.5-6.0*10^9/L
What is a normal lymphocyte count?
1.5-4.5*10^9/L
What is a normal platelet count?
150-400*10^9/L
What is a normal absolute reticulocyte count?
40-105*10^9/L
Women presenting with iron deficiency anemia as a result of menorrhagia should be routinely screened for what blood abnormality?
Von Willebrand’s disease
Name a frequent complication associated with hereditary spherocytosis
Gallstones