Anemias Flashcards
WBC
4.5-10.5
RBC
3.7-5.4
Hemoglobin
12-16
Hematocrit
35-48%
MCV
78-100. Mean corpuscular volume. The average size of the RBC. (micro/normo/macrocytic)
MCH
27-34. Mean cell hemoglobin. (normo vs. hypochromic)
MCHC
31-37. Mean cell hemoglobin concentration.
RDW
11.5-14.5% Measure of the variation in size.
Platelets
150-450.
Reticulocytes
1-2%. “lots of blue mean lots of new” on peripheral smear. Indication of the bone marrow’s RBC production. Usually mature within 1-2 days.
Anisocytosis
Large variation in RBC size
Poikilocytosis
abnormally shaped RBCs
Symptoms of anemia
Usually occur when Hb is less than 7. fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, syncope, dyspnea, palpitations
Signs of anemia
Pallor, tachycardia, bounding pulse, orthostatic changes, GI blood loss, High output heart failure and shock.
Microcytic Hypochromic anemias
Iron deficiency, thalassemias, sideroblastic.
Normocytic normochromic anemias
Hypothyroidism, liver disease, chronic disease (can be micro and/or hypo).
Macrocytic (megaloblastic) anemias
folate and B12 deficiency.
Most common cause of anemia
Iron deficiency
Iron Deficiency Anemia etiology
menstruation, pregnancy, GI bleed, decreased iron absorption (celiacs, bariatric surgery, H.pylori infection).
Iron Deficiency Anemia Classification
Microcytic Hypochromic
Iron Deficiency Anemia MCV
Decreased
Iron Deficiency Anemia RDW
increased
Iron Deficiency Anemia Ferritin
Decreased less than 12
Iron Deficiency Anemia TIBC
Increased
Iron Deficiency Anemia manifestations
Glossitis, cheilitis, Koilonychia, pica, dysphagia (esophageal webs/plummer-vinson syndrome), restless leg syndrome.
Iron Deficiency Anemia treatment
Determine the underlying cause (colonoscopy and/or radiographic testing), replace iron stores
Thalassemia definition
Inherited disorder. Reduction in the synthesis of the globin chains of Hb.
Alpha Thalassemia classifications
1=silent carrier
2=Trait. Mild microcytic anemia
3=hemolytic anemia
4=hydrops fetalis
Beta Thalassemia classifications
Minor (trait): dysfunction of one beta chain. asymptomatic micro/hypo anemia
Major (Cooley anemia): Dysfunction of both beta chains. Usually die before 30.
Thalassemia MCV
Extremely LOW (60-75)
Thalassemia classification
microcytic hypochromic.
Thalassemia RDW
normal
Thalassemia serum Fe
Normal to elevated
Thalassemia Ferritin
Normal to elevated
Thalassemia TIBC
decreased
Thalassemia peripheral smear
Poikilocytosis, target cell, nucleated RBC.
Thalassemia electrophoresis
Is Diagnostic.
Thalassemia treatment
folic acid supplementation. If severe: regular transfusions or splenectomy. Severe beta Thalassemia: hematopoietic cell transplant.
Anemia of chronic disease
Seen in the elderly, chronic inflammation and organ failure. Due to abnormal iron metabolism, impaired EPO production etc.
Anemia of Chronic Disease MCV
Normal
Anemia of Chronic Disease classification
Normocytic normochromic
Anemia of Chronic Disease ferririn
normal or increased
Anemia of Chronic Disease serum Fe
variable. low with chronic inflammation
Anemia of Chronic Disease TIBC
variable. low with chronic inflammation.