CKD + Aplastic Anemia

Question 1

What type of anemias are these both and why?

Answer 1

Non haemolytic
Failing bone marrow

Question 2

Why does CKD cause non haemolytic anemia?

Answer 2

Kidney damage = produce less erythropoietin (EPO) = low BM stimulation for erythropoiesis therefore poor BM response = low RBC synthesis

Normocytic + chronic with decreased reticulocytes

Question 3

Why does aplastic anemia cause non haemolytic anemia?

Answer 3

A pancytopenia = decreased all blood cells due to BM failure; stops making haematopoetic stem cells

Question 4

Cause of aplastic anemia

Answer 4

Idiopathic acquired mostly
Perhaps infection (EBV, parovirus B19)
Congenital

Question 5

What tests would confirm a diagnosis of Aplastic anemia?

Answer 5

FBC = normocytic anemia with low reticulocytes

BM biopsy exam = hypocellularity

Question 6

Treatment for aplastic anemia

Answer 6

Increased infection risk (neutrophilia)
Broad spectrum Abx
Bone marrow transplant