Haematological Conditions Flashcards
Who is most likely to be affected by iron deficiency anaemia?
YOUNG CHILDREN
What are the main causes of iron deficiency anaemia?
EXCESSIVE BLOOD LOSS- Menorrhagia, NSAIDs, GI carcinomas, post-partum haemorrhage, IBD, bleeding oesophageal varices, GORD, oesophagitis.
FAILURE OF IRON ABSORPTION- tetracyclines, quinolones, antacids, PPIs, malabsorption conditions, H.Pylori colonisation.
What are the main risk factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia?
Pregnancy
GI malignancies
Gender- female
excessive exercise
What are the symptoms associated with iron deficiency anaemia?
Fatigue Shortness of breath Palpitations/angina Sore tongue/ taste disturbance Pruritis Headache Tinnitus
What are the clinical signs that are associated with iron deficiency anaemia?
Pallor
Koilonychia
Angular stomatitis
Atrophic glossitis
What are the differential diagnoses associated with iron deficiency anaemia?
Thalassaemia
Sideroblastic anaemia
Anaemia of chronic disease
Lead poisoning
What investigations are appropriate in iron anaemia deficiency?
Urinalysis
GI investigations
What treatments are available for iron anaemia deficiency?
Iron salts
Iron rich foods
Parenteral iron in case of intolerance to oral iron.
What is the main cause of macrocytic anaemia?
VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
FOLATE DEFICIENCY
PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA
What are the main risk factors associated with macrocytic anaemia?
PREGNANCY
STRICT VEGANS
NUTRITIONALLY DEFICIENT- the elderly, alcohol dependent
MALABSORPTIVE DISORDERS- Crohn’s, whipple’s, blind loops
What are the symptoms associated with macrocytic anaemia?
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Palpitations/angina
Looking pale
Unexpected neurological symptoms (B12 deficiency)
Peripheral neuropathy/psychiatric disturbance (folate deficiency)
What are the clinical signs associated with macrocytic anaemia?
Pallor
Bounding pulse
Systolic pulmonary flow murmur
What are some of the differential diagnoses associated with macrocytic anaemia?
Severe thyroid deficiency Myelodysplasia Aplastic anaemia Pure red aplasia Plasma protein changes
What investigations are appropriate for macrocytic anaemia?
BLOOD: film analysis, serum vitamin B12, LFTs
Coomb’s test
What are the correct treatments for macrocytic anaemia?
Correct the deficiency that has caused macrocytosis
Treat the reason for the deficiency
Hydroxocobalamin
Folic acid
