FHMP 031 Anaemia

Question 1

what is the definition of anaemia?

Answer 1

• a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiologic needs which vary by age, sex, altitude, smoking and pregnancy

Question 2

what is transferrin?

Answer 2

• transfers iron to where it needs to go

Question 3

what is ferritin?

Answer 3

• stores iron

Question 4

what are the normal Hb, red cell, haematocrit, reticulocyte and leukocyte values in adults?

Answer 4

• Hb women = 115-150g/L men = 135-170g/L
• red cell = 4-6 x 10^12/L
• haematocrit = 41-55%
• reticulocytes = 0.5-1.5%
• leukocytes = 4-10 x 10^9/L

Question 5

What is polycythemia?

Answer 5

• raised haematocrit

Question 6

give a description of features of erythrocytes

Answer 6

• each erythrocyte contains haemoglobin which contains 4 Fe ions which bind to oxygen molecules to carry 4 O2 molecules
• it is a flexible biconcave shape so it can squeeze through capillaries
• no nucleus/little other cell components to make room for more oxygen

Question 7

describe the production of erythrocytes (erythropoiesis)

Answer 7

1. Low O2 blood levels stimulate the kidneys to produce erythropoietin
2. erythropoietin is a hormone which stimulates the stem cells in the bone marrow to increase red blood cell production
3. pluripotent stem cells divide to produce myeloid multipotent cells which under the influence of IL-3, stem cell factor and thrombopoietin to give rise to progenitor cells called erythrocyte colony forming cells
4. these form erythroblasts –> reticulocytes which are released into the circulation and mature into erythrocytes a day later