Hypochromic Anemia

Question 1

Iron Deficiency

Answer 1

The most common cause of microcytic, hypochromic anemia, often affecting populations with poor diet or chronic blood loss.

Question 2

Causes of Hypochromic Microcytic Anemia

Answer 2

Lack of iron (iron deficiency), anemia of chronic inflammation or malignancy, sideroblastic anemia, α- or β-thalassemia, lead poisoning.

Question 3

Iron Absorption

Answer 3

Occurs through the duodenum. Organic dietary iron is partly absorbed as haem and partly broken down to inorganic iron.

Question 4

Transferrin and Iron

Answer 4

Transferrin delivers iron to tissues with transferrin receptors, especially erythroblasts, which incorporate iron into hemoglobin.

Question 5

Iron Requirements

Answer 5

Varies with age and sex, highest during pregnancy, adolescence, and menstruation.

Question 6

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Answer 6

Characterized by decreased iron body content and diminished erythropoiesis, leading to anemia.

Question 7

Functions of Iron

Answer 7

Formation of hemoglobin, oxygen transport, cytochrome and myoglobin formation, body temperature regulation, muscle activity, catecholamine metabolism, immune system support, brain development, and thyroid function.

Question 8

Clinical Features of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Answer 8

Painless glossitis, angular stomatitis, brittle and spoon nails (koilonychia), dietary cravings (pica), irritability and poor cognitive function in children.

Question 9

Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Answer 9

Chronic blood loss, increased demand (growth, pregnancy), malabsorption, dietary factors.

Question 10

Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anemia

Answer 10

History, examination, CBC, peripheral smear, serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, serum transferrin receptor, red cell zinc protoporphyrin level.

Question 11

Therapeutic Approaches

Answer 11

Treatment of underlying cause, oral iron supplementation, parenteral iron, blood transfusion, prevention strategies.

Question 12

Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD)

Answer 12

Common anemia in chronic inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic diseases, characterized by shortened red cell lifespan, impaired erythropoiesis, and altered iron metabolism.

Question 13

Sideroblastic Anemia

Answer 13

Refractory anemia with hypochromic cells and increased marrow iron, characterized by pathological ring sideroblasts in bone marrow.

Question 14

Lead poisoning

Answer 14

Inhibits hem and globin synthesis, leads to accumulation of RNA in red cells causing basophilic stippling, elevated free erythrocyte protoporphyrin.