Haematology Flashcards
What is microcytic anaemia?
Reduced MCV (<80)
What causes microcytic anaemia?
TAILS
Thalassemia/haemoglobinopathies Anaemia of chronic disease Iron deficiency anaemia Lead poisoning Sideroblastic anaemia
Hookworm infection (low/middle income countries)
What is the most common cause of anaemia?
Iron deficiency
What causes iron deficiency anaemia?
Low iron intake
Iron loss
Give examples of low iron intake that can cause iron deficiency anaemia.
Malabsorption and vegan diet
Give examples of iron loss that can cause iron deficiency anaema.
Menorrhagia, GI bleed, hookworm
Where is iron absorbed?
Duodenum
How is iron deficiency anaemia treated?
Treat cause
Iron supplements - ferrous sulfate/ferrous gluconate
What are the signs of iron deficiency anaemia?
Pale skin & mucous membranes Tachycardia Systolic flow murmur Brittle hair/nails Atrophic glossitis Angular stomatitis Koilonychia
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia?
Fatigue Lethargy Dyspnoea Palpitations Syncope Headache Tinnitus
What is normocytic anaemia?
Normal MCV
What causes normocytic anaemia?
Anaemia of chronic disease Acute blood loss Increased plasma volume (pregnancy, fluid overload) Haemoglobinopathies Aplastic anaemia Haemolysis Hypersplenism (destruction of RBCs)
What is macrocytic anaemia?
Increased MCV
What causes macrocytic anaemia?
B12/folate deficiency Toxins (alcohol, chemo) Liver disease Reticulocytosis Pregnancy Myeloma Hypothyroidism Myelodysplastic syndrome
What causes folate deficiency?
Low intake
Malabsorption
Pregnancy
Drugs
Who is at risk of folate deficiency?
Elderly, poverty, alcohol excess
What drugs can cause folate deficiency?
Trimethoprim, phenytoin, methotrexate
How does folate deficiency anaemia present?
Same as other anaemias
How do you investigate folate deficiency?
FBC
Blood film
Red cell folate
What does a blood film show for folate deficiency anaemia?
Macrocytic megaloblastic anaemia
What does red cell folate show for folate anaemia?
<160ug/ml
How do you treat folate deficiency anaemia?
Treat underlying cause
Folic acid supplement if certain of cause
Why should you be cautious of prescribing folic acid supplements for folate deficiency?
Can aggravate neuropathy associated with B12 deficiency
What causes pernicious anaemia?
Lack of intrinsic factor usually produced by parietal cells in the stomach which allow B12 absorption in the terminal ileum
What is the pathology of pernicious anaemia?
B12 and folate needed for DNA synthesis - RBC development arrested - large immature megaloblastic cells
How does pernicious anaemia present?
Same as other anaemias + neuropathy, depression and psychosis
How do you investigate pernicious anaemia?
FBC
Blood film
Serum antibodies - IF/parietal cell antibodies
Serum B12 <50ng/L
How do you manage pernicious anaemia?
B12 IM/PO (hydroxocobalamin)
What is sickle cell anaemia?
Inherited mutation of HbS leading to sickling of RBCs