Hematologic Pathophysiology Anemias Flashcards
Macrocytic refers to
larger than normal size cells
Microcytic refers to
smaller than normal size cells
Reticulocytes are
immature erythrocyte (day 1 or 2 in the blood stream)
Hemoglobin is
four folded globin chains (2 alpha & 2 beta)
Hemolytic anemia is
abnormal hemolysis (breakdown) of RBCs
Primary function of RBC is to
transport hemoglobin
-transport O2 to tissue
1 gm of hemoglobin can combine with
1.34 mLs of oxygen= 100% saturation
Red blood cells are produced in
bone marrow
Any condition that decreases oxygen transport to tissues will
stimulate erythropoietin- a glycoprotein formed in the kidneys
Red blood cells contain
carbonic anhydrase- enzyme that catalyzes the reaction between CO2 & H2O to form carbonic acid H2CO3 transport CO2 (in the form of HCO3-) to lungs for removal
RBC production and maturation occurs with
pluripotent stem cell–> proerythoblast–> erythroblast–> reticulocyte–> erythrocyte
Causes of anemia include
blood loss, decreased production, & increased destruction
Describe polycythemia
increase in circulating RBCs- main adverse effect is increased blood viscosity
Anemia is the
reduced number of circulating RBCs
The main adverse effect of anemia is
decreased oxygen-carrying capcaity
WHO defines anemia as hemoglobin concentration less than
12 g/dL for women & less than 13 g/dL for men
Anemia in pregnancy is due to
decreased Hct in relation to increase plasma volume
With acute blood loss, the body replaces fluid portion of
plasma in 1-3 days- leaving a low concentration of RBCs
the RBC concentration usually returns to normal within 3-6 weeks
Chronic blood loss anemia is when
cannot absorb enough iron from the gut to make hemoglobin as rapidly as it is lost
RBCs are then produced much smaller with little Hgb inside- microcytic hypochromic anemia
Transfusion preoperatively in asymptomatic patients for elective surgery
are rare
Describe the 10/30 rule.
transfuse if the hemoglobin level is <10 g/dL or the Hct is <30%
- no evidence that hemoglobin levels below this level mandate transfusion
There is clear evidence that hemoglobin levels below
6 g/dL benefit from transfusion
When deciding whether to transfuse for a procedure, we must take into account
patient’s medical history, ongoing bleeding, and risk of end-organ dysfunction
e.g. active coronary artery disease may require lower transfusion thresholds
RBC transfusions can transmit
Hep B, Hep C, HIV
Immunomodulatory effects of transfusion include
cancer reoccurrence, bacterial infections, transfusion related acute lung injury, & hemolytic transfusion reactions
Describe estimated blood loss & transfusion thresholds.
EBL <15%- rarely requires transfusion
EBL 30% replacement w/ crystalloids/albumins
EBL 30-40%- RBC transfusion
EBL >50% massive transfusion protocol- may need accompanied FFP & platelets (1:1:1 ratio)
Describe types of anemia that are decreased production problems.
iron deficiency
autoimmune
Describe types of anemia that are increased destruction (life span <120 days).
thalassemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell
Describe types of anemia that include blood loss.
acute & chronic
Describe types of anemia that fall under the infectious category.
malaria parasite destroys RBCs
Babesia (parasite usually spread by ticks) causes RBC hemolysis
parovirus (“fifth disease”) virus inhibits erythropoiesis
Types of anemia based on morphology include:
microcytic, normocytic, & macrocytic/megaloblastic
Iron deficiency anemia is the result of
nutritional deficiency of iron- common in infants, small children, & developing countries
- depletion of iron stores (e.g. chronic GI bleeds or mensturation)
- pregnancy
Iron deficiency anemia results in pregnancy because
of the increased RBC mass required during gestation
Mild anemia may require
preop iron
Hb 9-12 g/dL
Pica is
the drive to consume non foodstuff
because they’re not getting enough iron