IDA, Sideroblastic Anaemia & Iron Overload

Question 1

Outline the major differential diagnoses of microcytic anaemia.

Answer 1

• Thalassemias & haemoglobinopathies.
• Anaemia of chronic inflammation but this is mainly normocytic.
• Iron deficiency Anaemia.
• Blockade of harm synthesis e.g by lead poisoning, pyridoxine deficiency or due to Pyrazinamide or Isoniazid intake.
• Sideroblastic anaemias.
• Other rare conditions e.g congenital atransferrinaemia.