CVR anaemia

Question 1

what feature is observed in microcytic cells (in anemia)?

Answer 1

hypochromia

Question 2

cell types that are usually normochromic

Answer 2

normocytic and macrocytic red cells (anemia)

Question 3

cause of microcytic anaemia (4)

Answer 3

iron deficiency anemia (haem)
anaemia of chronic disease (haem)
Defect in α chain synthesis (α thalassaemia) (globin)
Defect in β chain synthesis (β thalassaemia) (globin)

Question 4

common causes of macrocytic anaemia (4)

Answer 4

• lack of B12 or folic acid
• Use of drugs interfering with DNA synthesis
• Liver disease and ethanol toxicity
• Haemolytic anaemia (reticulocytes increased)

Question 5

what does erythrocyte function depend upon?

Answer 5

1. Integrity of the membrane: Hereditary spherocytosis (Case 1), Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (Case 2)
2. Haemoglobin structure and function: Sickle cell anaemia
3. Cellular metabolism: G6PD deficiency (Case 3)

Question 6

causes of normocytic anaemia

Answer 6

1. recent blood loss e.g. GI bleed
2. failure of production of red cells e.g. bone marrow failure
3. pooling of RBC in the spleen (e.g. hypersplenism)