Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia (Exam 2) Flashcards
What are the 5 characteristics of iron deficiency anemia?
low Fe intake | poor iron absorption | inadequate utilization | increase need for iron | excess blood loss
What percent of adult women have iron deficiency anemia?
20%
What percent of pregnant women have iron deficiency anemia?
50%
What percent of adult males have iron deficiency anemia?
3%
What percent of preschool kids have iron deficiency anemia?
30%
What are the 4 causes of iron deficiency anemia? Which are the most common?
most common = pregnancy and infancy | dietary inadequacy | blood loss
What are the 4 mild symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
fatigue | headache | dizziness | pallor
What 2 symptoms of severe iron deficiency anemia?
koilonychia (concave nails) | smooth tongue (ice chewing)
Why do some people with iron deficiency anemia crave pickles and other acidic foods?
acid increases iron absorption in stomach
What is the differential diagnosis of early stage of iron deficiency anemia?
asymtpomatic | normocytic and normochromic
What is the differential diagnosis of late stage of iron deficiency anemia?
symptomatic | microcytic and hypochromic
What is the proposed hypothesis for iron deficiency anemia?
decreased hemoglobinization fails to signal precursor RBC to stop dividing | RBCs divide more times than normal leading to smaller size
What is the common treatment for iron deficiency anemia?
iron supplement tablets (except for thalassemia cases as it will kill the patient)
When does thalassemia commonly manifest?
during childhood
How does one get thalassemia?
commonly genetic - obtain family history
How is iron reutilized and transferred from old RBCs for Hb synthesis?
Fe transferred from macrophage »_space;> to plasma transferrin »_space;> to BM –> erythroblasts
How can alka-seltzer and other alkalis lead to iron deficiency?
alkaline reduces the absorption of iron
How does a bacterial infection reduce the absorption of iron?
bacteria needs iron + other nutrients = decreasing iron intake will stop pathogen from proliferating and will be attacked by immune system
What is the type of anemia a 2-3 y/o (with anemia) will most likely have?
iron deficiency anemia
How does Thalassemia affect Hb synthesis? What is the consequence?
causes abnormal synthesis of polypeptides (alpha and beta chains) | have a lot of iron but cannot use it
How can thalassemia lead to hemochromatosis?
heme cannot be used = accumulation of iron (in heme) »_space;> accumulation of iron = hemachromatosis
How can defect of transferrin lead to hemochromatosis?
no enzyme to transport iron (due to Abs attacking it or enzyme not working right) = iron stays and accumulates in the system because it is not being used
