Anemia- FINAL Flashcards

1
Q

Definition of Anemia

A

Condition where blood lacks enough RBCs or hemoglobin to carry oxygen.

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2
Q

Common Causes of Anemia

A

Nutritional deficiencies, chronic disease, blood loss, hemolysis.

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3
Q

Types of Anemia by Cell Morphology

A

Microcytic (iron deficiency), Macrocytic (B12/folate deficiency), Normocytic (chronic disease).

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4
Q

Dietary Sources of Iron

A

Red meat, leafy greens, lentils, fortified cereals.

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5
Q

Dietary Sources of Folic Acid

A

Leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, fortified grains.

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6
Q

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B12

A

Animal products (meat, eggs, dairy), fortified foods.

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7
Q

Advantages Vs. Disadvantages of Ferrous Sulfate

A

Inexpensive, widely available; GI upset, constipation

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8
Q

Substances That Reduce Iron Absorption

A

Calcium, tea, coffee, antacids, high-fiber foods.

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9
Q

B12 vs. Folic Acid Deficiency

A

Both cause macrocytic anemia, but B12 deficiency has neurological symptoms.

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10
Q

Intrinsic Factor (IF)

A

A stomach protein necessary for B12 absorption; lack leads to pernicious anemia.

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11
Q

Monitoring Iron Deficiency Treatment

A

Reticulocytes increase in 7-10 days; Hgb improves in 2-4 weeks.

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12
Q

Monitoring B12/Folate Treatment

A

Neurological improvement in days to weeks; RBCs normalize in 4-8 weeks.

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13
Q

Pharmacology of B12 Supplements

A

Cyanocobalamin (synthetic) restores B12 levels, usually well tolerated.

Extra: contains a cyanide side group, Studies suggest cyanocobalamin may impair kidney function in people with borderline kidney problems… Safer version (methylcobalamin)

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14
Q

Pharmacology of Folic Acid

A

Required for DNA synthesis; interacts with methotrexate, phenytoin.

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15
Q

Epoetin Alpha (Erythropoietin) Use

A

Used in CKD, chemo-induced anemia, requires iron monitoring.

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16
Q

Monitoring Epoetin Alpha Therapy

A

Target Hgb 10-11 g/dL, avoid >12 g/dL; monitor BP, iron levels.

17
Q

Red Blood Cell Development

A

Requires erythropoietin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid.

18
Q

Iron Absorption & Distribution

A

Absorbed in small intestine, stored in mucosal cells, transported by transferrin.

19
Q

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) Causes

A

Dietary deficiency, pregnancy, chronic blood loss.

20
Q

IDA Symptoms

A

Pale RBCs, pica, spoon-shaped nails, mouth cracks.

21
Q

IDA Diagnosis

A

Low hemoglobin, low iron, low ferritin, increased TIBC.

22
Q

Oral Iron Preparations

A

Ferrous sulfate (high iron content (20% elemental), GI upset), ferrous gluconate (12% elemental but better absorption, better tolerated), ferrous fumarate (high content 33% elemental).

23
Q

Parenteral Iron Therapy

A

Used when oral iron is ineffective, IV forms include iron dextran (anaphylaxis risk), iron sucrose, ferric gluconate.

24
Q

Vitamin B12 Importance

A

Essential for DNA synthesis and neurological function, absorbed via intrinsic factor.

25
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes
Pernicious anemia, gastric surgery, PPI/metformin use, alcoholism.
26
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Megaloblastic anemia, neurological symptoms (tingling, memory loss).
27
Folic Acid Importance
Needed for DNA synthesis, prevents neural tube defects in pregnancy.
28
Folic Acid Deficiency Causes
Poor diet, malabsorption, methotrexate use.
29
Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms
Megaloblastic anemia, no neurological symptoms.
30
Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agents
Epoetin alpha and darbepoetin alpha used for CKD and chemotherapy-induced anemia.
31
Erythropoietin Therapy Risks
Hypertension, clot risk, stroke, must monitor hemoglobin levels (target 10-11 g/dL); BB warning
32
Drugs for Sickle Cell Disease
Hydroxyurea (increases fetal hemoglobin), pentoxifylline (reduces blood viscosity).
33
Benefits of Hydroxyurea
Reduces hospitalizations, pain episodes, and sickle cell crises.
34
Hematopoietic Agents for Neutropenia
Filgrastim (Neupogen), Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta), Sargramostim (Leukine) stimulate WBC production.
35
Neutropenia Treatment Risks
Bone pain, rare risk of splenic rupture.