Anemia: Diminished Erythropoiesis Flashcards
Normal bone marrow
Describe the process of Vit B12 absorption
binding globulin + Vit B12 → haptocorrin transports to duodenum → IF transports to SI where it is absorbed into blood stream → transcobalamin II picks it up
Megaloblastic anemia (bone marrow aspirate). A to C, Megaloblasts in various stages of differentiation. Note that the orthochromatic megaloblast (B) is hemoglobinized (as revealed by cytoplasmic color), but in contrast to normal orthochromatic normoblasts, the nucleus is not pyknotic. The early erythroid precursors (A and C) and the granulocytic precursors are also large and have abnormally immature chromatin.
Most important cause of anemia from inadequate production of RBC
nutritional deficiency
(secondary to renal failure or chronic inflammation)
Anemia due to inadequate RBC production: less common causes
generalized bone marrow failure → aplastic anemia, primary hematopoietic neoplasms, infiltrative disorders (bone marrow replacement)
6 extrinsic causes of anemia (decreased production of RBC)
- Nutritional deficiency
- EPO deficiency (ex: renal failure)
- Immune-mediated
- Inflammation → iron sequestered
- Infections of RBC precursors
- Neoplasm, marrow lesion
What is an example of an intrinsic cause of decreased RBC production?
Fanconi anemia (stem cell depletion)
(other causes of intrinsic = hereditary. i.e. genetic defect in RBC maturation or stem cell depletion)
Vitamin B12 & B9 (folate) are important coenzymes in the synthesis of _____. Deficiency → ______.
- thymidine (DNA base)
- deranged or inadequate DNA synthesis = defective nuclear maturation
Megaloblastic anemia has many causes related to impaired DNA synthesis → ineffective hematopoiesis & morphological changes (large erythroid precursors / RBCs). What are the 2 main causes?
- B12 deficiency → pernicious anemia
- B9 deficiency → folate deficiency anemia
2 Causes of pernicious anemia
- inadequate diet/vegetarianism
- impaired absorption (IF deficiency)
5 Causes of folate deficiency anemia
- inadequate diet/alcoholism
- impaired absorption
- infancy
- pregnancy
- Rx: anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, folic acid antagonist
_______ is a morphologic feature seen in all megaloblastic anemias.
macro-ovalocytes: macrocytic, oval RBCs that are larger than normal and have ample hemoglobin
(lack central pallor; appear hyperchromic w/o elevated MCHC)
Decreased reticulocytes → nucleated RBC progenitors are seen in severe ______.
anemia (decreased production)
(if they are increased → blood loss)
Hypercellular red marrow (marrow hyperplasia) is a response to _______
increased growth factors (like EPO)
(most precursors are deranged → apoptosis; megaloblastic anemia)
Pancytopenia
decreased number of all cell lines in peripheral blood
How does pancytopenia develop in macrocytic anemia?
increased levels of EPO → marrow hyperplasia, but DNA is deranged → apoptosis
Pernicious anemia caused by vit B12 deficiency. Most common cause :
autoimmune gastritis → decreased IF production
(i.e. chronic atrophic gastritis)
Where do humans get Vit B12 (aka cobalamin)?
Animal products
(stored in the liver)
2 major biochemical functions of Vit B12 (cobalamin)
- DNA synthesis
- Odd-chain FA metabolism
What is the role of Vit B12 in DNA synthesis
methylcobalamin = cofactor in converting homocysteine → methionine
What is the role of Vit B12 in odd chain FA synthesis?
Propionyl CoA → methylmalonyl CoA by methylmalonyl CoA mutase + vitamin B12 (cofactor)
Why does Vit B12 deficiency manifest as neurologic deficits?
Increase in propionyl CoA → replaces acetyl CoA in neuronal membranes→ demyelination
The clinical features of pernicious anemia include: onset ~ 60 y.o. and _____ (4)
- megaloblastic anemia
- leukopenia w/hypersegmented neutrophils
- decreased serum vitamin B12
- increased homocysteine/methylmalonic acid
Diagnosis of pernicious anemia is via ______.
parenteral administration of Vit B12 → 5 days later measure reticulocytes & high hematocrit
Atrophy of metaplasia seen in pernicious anemia increases the risk of ______
carcinoma
Patients with pernicious anemia may and anti-_______ antibodies in their serum.
intrinsic factor (IF)