Hematology #1 (Microcytic Anemias) Flashcards
MCC of anemia worldwide
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Etiologies of iron deficiency
-In US
-In World
US: Chronic blood loss (menstruation, colon cancer, parasitic hookworms)
World: Diet (Celiac, H. Pylori, Bariatric surgery)
What are some risk factors for iron deficiency anemia? (Think of states that have increased metabolic requirements)
-Children, pregnant, lactating women
-Cow milk ingestion younger than 1 year of age
What is the pathophysiology of iron deficiency anemia?
Decreased production of RBC’s due to lack of iron and decreased iron stores (ferritin)
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia
-Fatigue, weakness, dyspnea
-Pasophagia (ice craving)
-Pica (crave clay, starch)
-Koilonychia (spooning of nails)
-Angular cheilitis
-Glossitis (smooth tongue)
-Leg cramps climbing stairs
What is shown on a CBC for iron deficiency anemia?
Iron studies show…
CBC: microcytic hypochromic anemia
–reduced iron stores halt production of hemoglobin = hypo chromic (not red)
–Reduced RDW (red cell distribution width) = mix of small and large cells
Iron Studies: decreased ferritin (iron stores), increased TIBC (transferrin = delivers iron, decreased transferrin saturation (serum iron/iron binding capacity), decreased serum iron
However, what is the definitive diagnostic for iron deficiency anemia?
Bone marrow biopsy: absent iron stores
Treatment for iron deficiency anemia
-iron replacement (corrects anemia in 6-8 months)
–Ex: Ferrous sulfate 325 mg PO daily
-If severe, red blood cell transfusion
Recommendations for taking iron supplements
-Take iron supplement with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), with water or juice, on an empty stomach
-Take 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids
What is a normal MCV?
What is the MCV in iron deficiency anemia?
Normal: 80-100
Iron Deficiency: Microcytic <80
Explain the pathophysiology of lead poisoning anemia (plumbism)
-Lead poisons enzymes, causing cell death, shortens the lifespan of RBC’s, and inhibits enzymes needed for heme synthesis –> acquired sideroblastic anemia
Risk Factors for lead poisoning anemia
-Who is it MC in?
-What is the MCC?
-MC in children due to increased permeability of blood-brain barrier and iron deficiency (increases lead absorption)
-MCC is ingestion or inhalation of environmental lead (paint chips or lead dust)
Symptoms of lead poisoning anemia
-Neuro symptoms: ataxia, fatigue, learning disabilities, difficulty concentrating, hearing loss, developmental delays
-Peripheral neuropathy: wrist or foot drop
-Intermittent abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation
-Burton’s Line: thin, blue black line at base of gums near the teeth
What is the initial diagnostic done for lead poisoning anemia?
Capillary fingerstick sample: Serum lead level > 10 mcg/dL
What is seen on peripheral smear for lead poisoning anemia?
Microcytic hypo chromic anemia with basophilic stippling (dots of denatured RNA in RBC’s)