Blood levels and causes

Question 1

Causes of polycythaemia
(High RBCs)

Answer 1

• Primary → polycythaemia vera (JAK2 gene mutation)
• Secondary → OSA, COPD, chronic heart disease, EPO/anabolic steroids
• Apparent → diuretics, alcohol, obesity

Question 2

Causes of macrocytosis

Answer 2

• B12 and Folate deficiencies
• Alcohol
• Drigs - methotrexate, azathioprine
• Haematological disorders - myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anaemia, myeloma
• Liver disorder
• Smoking
• Pregnancy

Question 3

Causes of hypocalcaemia

Answer 3

• Decreased PTH
• Low vitamin D
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Sclerotic (blastic) bone metastases

Question 4

Causes of raised GGT

Answer 4

• Alcohol
• Obesity
• Oancreatic disease
• MI
• Renal failure
• Diabetes

Question 5

Causes of raised ALT

Answer 5

• Statins
• NSAIDs
• Hep B&C
• Coeliac disease
• Alcohol
• Fatty liver disease
• Hameochromatosis
• Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

Question 6

Causes of low phosphate

Answer 6

• GI → reduced absorption or intake (anorexia)
• Alcoholism
• DKA
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Renal disease - increased excretion