Erythropoiesis

Question 1

What is the effect of iron deficiency

Answer 1

Decreased Hb
Increased erythropoietin
Erythroid hyperplasia but
Ineffective erythropoiesis

Question 2

What is the effect of postpartum haemorrhage treated with fluid administration

Answer 2

Decreased bp & relative anaemia (due to increased fluid)
Increased erythropoietin
Erythroid hyperplasia
Reticulocytosis

Question 3

What is the effect of G6PD deficiency

Answer 3

Increased RBC destruction
Increased erythropoietin
Erythroid hyperplasia
Reticulocytosis

• Normal Fe (as recycled)
• But B12/folate may run out
• Increased destruction => hyperbilirubinaemia

Question 4

What is the effect of CKD and so inability to produce erythropoietin

Answer 4

No erythropoietin despite hypoxia
No erythroid hyperplasia
No reticulocytosis
Unresolved hypoxia

Question 5

What is the effect of chronic hypoxia due to COPD

Answer 5

Increased erythropoietin
Erythroid hyperplasia
Reticulocytosis
Polycythaemia (too many RBCs & Hb)