FBC Flashcards
How does haemopoiesis vary between fetal and post natal life?
In fetal life the main haemopietic organ is the liver; postnatally it is in the bone marrow.
The other main difference is that fetal haemoglobin is made upon 2 alpha and 2 gamma units, giving it a higher affinity for oxygen.
How do FBC levels vary physiologically in neonates compared to infants?
Hb are initially raised to compensate for the low O2 levels in utero.
WBC levels are initially raised, platelet counts are level.
Stores of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 in term are adequate at birth
What are the ranges for anaemia for neonate, 1 yr olds and children?
Neonate: Hb less than 14 g/dl
1–12 months: Hb less than 10 g/dl
1–12 years: Hb less than 11 g/dl
Which dietary factors are important in anaemia?
Iron deficiency can commonly occur in childhood and cause anaemia.
It is common in childhood as additional iron is need to account for the increase blood volume associated with growth.
Folate and B12 are both in important in the DNA synthesis of RBC. Deficiency causes macrocytic megaloblastic anaemia.
How do the lymphocytes and neutrophil counts change from neonatal period to adulthood?
Generally the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts drop slightly with age.
If lower than reference range think immunosuppression.
If higher than reference range think infection.
