Hematologic Pathophysiology Anemias Flashcards
Erythrocyte
Red blood cell (RBC)
1° function to transport hemoglobin
Transport oxygen to tissues
Contains carbonic anhydrase - enzyme that catalyzes reaction b/w CO2 & H2O to form carbonic acid H2CO3
Produced in the bone marrow
Lifespan 120 days
Individual erythrocyte contains ≈ 300 million Hgb molecules
Reticulocyte
Immature erythrocyte
Day 1 or 2 in the bloodstream
Anemia
↓RBCs Reduced number circulating RBCs Adverse effect ↓oxygen-carrying capacity Hgb <12g/dL Pregnancy - physiologic anemia d/t ↑plasma volume
Mean Corpuscle Volume
Size
Normocytic
Normal sized cells
Microcytic
Smaller than normal size cells
Macrocytic
Larger than normal size cells
Hemoglobin
Four folded globin chains
2 alpha α
2 beta β
Hemolytic anemia
Abnormal hemolysis (RBC breakdown)
Erythropoetin
Glycoprotein
Formed in the kidneys
Epo stimulated when any condition ↓oxygen transport to tissues
Erythropoesis
Red blood cell production
Pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell → proerythroblast → erythroblast (Hgb synthesis begins) → reticulocyte → erythrocyte
Erythroblast loses nucleus
Reticulocyte loses remaining organelles
Polycythemia
↑circulating RBCs Adverse effect ↑blood viscosity Slows blood flow ↓oxygen delivery Significant when Hct >55-60% - Threatens organ perfusion - Risk venous/arterial thromboses Relative polycythemia - dehydration, diuretics, vomiting
Anemia Causes
Blood loss - acute or chronic
↑destruction (thalassemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell)
↓production (iron deficiency or autoimmune)
Infectious (malaria, babesia, parvovirus)
Polycythemia Causes
Sustained hypoxia results in compensation
↑RBC mass ↑Hct
Cancer
COPD (not enough O2)
High altitude adaption
Acute Blood Loss
Body replaces plasma fluid portion in 1-3 days leaving low RBC concentration
RBC concentration usually returns to normal w/in 3-6wks
Chronic Blood Loss
Unable to absorb enough Fe (via GI) to make Hgb as rapidly as lost
RBCs produced smaller & have little Hgb inside - microcytic hypochromic anemia
Blood Transfusion Thresholds
10/30 rule
Hgb <10g/dL
Hct <30%
*Hgb <6g/dL clear benefit from transfusion
EBL <15% no intervention
30% replace w/ crystalloids/albumin
30-40% RBC transfusion
>50% massive transfusion 1:1:1 RBC / FFP / Plt
Transfusion Risks
Viral illness transmission (Hep B/C or HIV)
Bacterial infections
TRALI or TACO
Hemolytic transfusion reactions