Cardiovascular & Hematology Flashcards
Possible causes of microcytic anaemia + mnemonic
TAILS; Thalassemia, anaemia of chronic disease, iron deficiency anemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle cell
Causes of macrocytic anaemia + mnemonic
PreFAB; Preleukemia, folate deficiency, alcohol, B12/pernicious
True/ False; Decreased reticulocytes is associated with bone marrow suppression
True- indicatvive of aplastic anemia, hematologic cancers, drugs or toxins
True/False
Ferritin is the test of choice for the diagnosis of iron deficiency.
True
First-line therapy for iron deficiency anemia
Oral iron. One preparation is not preferred over another; patient tolerance should be the guide.
Anemia with IDA should correct in ______ with oral supplementation
2-4 months
Oral iron should be continued for _____ after anemia corrects
4-6 months
Causes of IDA
increased requirements
decreased intake
increased loss
decreased absorption
Name that condition –>
microcytic anemia, hypochromia, and decreased ferritin
IDA
True/False
All adults age >65 are at increased risk of IDA
True
Target ferritin for restless legs with iron deficiency
> 75 ug/L
In adults, iron deficiency is unlikely if ferritin >___ ug/L (or >___ to ____ in a patient with chronic inflammatory disease, or >___ in the elderly)
In adults, iron deficiency is unlikely if ferritin >30 ug/L (or >70-100 in a patient with chronic inflammatory disease, or >50 in the elderly)
True/False
Ferritin is an acute phase reactant. Testing ferritin is recommended during acute infection or hospitalization.
False.
Ferritin may be unreliable in patients with chronic disease, active inflammation, or malignancy. Testing ferritin is not recommended during acute infection or hospitalization.
True/False
If patient has microcytic anemia with suspected IDA, you may start supplementation before additional diagnostic tests are performed.
False
Patients with microcytic anemia should not be given iron supplements until iron deficiency is confirmed by testing ferritin. Low MCV in the setting of normal ferritin may indicate hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia especially in high risk ethnic groups. Long term iron therapy is harmful for these patients.
What additional tests should be ordered for diagnosis of iron deficiency in patients with chronic disease, inflammation or malignancy? (AOCD + IDA)
ordering a fasting serum iron and transferrin saturation may be helpful to diagnose iron deficiency that may be missed by solely relying on ferritin
Results: +
low serum iron
low or normal transferrin (i.e. total iron binding capacity), and
fasting transferrin saturation below 20%
What is the current recommended test and threshold to confirm iron deficiency in CKD?
TSAT <24%
When to consideration of IV iron therapy for heart failure patients?
ejection fraction ≤40%, serum ferritin < 100 mg/L or between 100-299 mg/L, and TSAT <20%
What is the only indication for ordering asymptomatic CRP?
to review a therapeutic approach in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients assessed at intermediate risk. This is the only indication for CRP assessment in asymptomatic individuals. MUST order hsCRP (high sensitivity CRP)
What patient populations with IDA would you suspect underlying malignancy?
AKA what populations are IDA uncommon?
Iron deficiency/IDA in adult men and post-menopausal women and in pre-menopausal women without menorrhagia is more likely to have a serious underlying cause of blood loss including malignancy. Consider upper/lower endoscopy.
What is a target normal ferritin for IDA?
Target normal ferritin >100 µg/L.
SE of oral iron supplements
Oral iron preparations may cause nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea or dark stools.
Instructions to prevent SE with oral iron supplements
start at a lower dose and increase gradually after 4 to 5 days (to reach target dose in a few weeks)
give divided doses
give the lowest effective dose
take supplements with meals (note: iron absorption is enhanced when supplements are taken on an empty stomach; however, tolerance and adherence may be improved when iron is taken with meals)
try a different iron preparation
try alternative dosing schedules such as every other day dosing
How to improve iron absorption with PO iron?
taking them on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating)
taking with 600-1200 mg vitamin C.
Iron absorption can be decreased by various medications and supplements such as multivitamins, calcium, or antacid tablets. Space administration by at least 2 hours apart. Avoid taking iron supplements with tea, coffee or milk.
When to reassess patients with moderate to severe anemia? What test to perform?
CBC as early as 2-4 weeks. Hemoglobin should increase by 10-20 g/L by 4 weeks. It may take up to 6 months to replenish iron stores.