aplastic anaemia Flashcards
1
Q
define aplastic anaemia?
A
characterised by pancytopenia and hypoplastic bone marrow
2
Q
what are the causes of aplastic anaemia?
A
- most commonly idiopathic
- can be acquired eg. drugs, chemicals, radiation, viral infection, Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria
- can be inherited
3
Q
what drugs cause aplastic anaemia?
A
chloramphenicol, sulphonamides, methotrexate, phenytoin
4
Q
epidemiology of aplastic anaemia?
A
- Slightly more common in males
* Peak incidence of acquired = 30 years old
5
Q
main features of aplastic anaemia ?
A
- Normochromic normocytic anaemia
- Leukopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
6
Q
symptoms of aplastic anaemia?
A
o Anaemia - Fatigue - Dyspnoea - Pallor - Soft systolic murmur o Thrombocytopenia - spontaneous bruising - bleeding gums - menorrhagia - purpura o leukopenia - Multiple bacterial and fungal infections - No hepatomegaly, splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy
7
Q
investigations for aplastic anaemia?
A
• Bloods o FBC • Low Hb • Low platelets • Low WCC • Normal MCV (normocytic) • Low or absent reticulocytes
8
Q
why might blood film be used?
A
o Exclude leukaemia
