Iron Overload and Megaloblastic Anemia: White Flashcards
What effects can unbound iron have on tissues?
(1) lipid peroxidation
(2) Fibrosis
(3) Carcinogenesis
What is the effect of alcohol on iron?
(1) 30% of chronic alcoholics have iron overload
(2) Folate deficiency increases iron absorption
What are the clinical findings of anemia due to alcoholism?
(1) Skin pigmentation
(2) hypogonadism
(3) glucose intolerance
(4) Iron in Kupffer cells.
Why does thalassemia lead to iron overload?
Abnormal red blood cells have decreased survival time and are degraded at an increased rate leading to iron accumulation.
What clinical problems are associated with thalassemia iron overload?
(1) 1st decade hepatomegaly
(2) lack of sexual development
(3) 2nd decade Cardiomegaly
What is hemochromotosis?
Hemochromatosis is a disorder that results in iron overload caused by an autosomal recessive mutation in the HFE gene. (variable penetrance)
What is the result of HFE mutation?
A mutation in HFE results in low hepcidin. Low hepcidin causes the accumulation of iron over time. Constant abosrption
What is the result of iron overload in various tissues?
(1) Brain: lethargy and confusion
(2) Skin: Hyperpigmentation
(3) Heart: Cardiomyopathy
(4) Liver: cirrhosis and hepatoma
(5) Pancreas: diabetes
(6) Genitals: hypogonadism
(7) Joints: chondrocalcinosis and arthritis.
What are the clinical symptoms of hemachromatosis?
(1) Liver function abnormalites 75%
(2) weakness and lethargy 74%
(3) hyperpigmentation 70%
(4) Diabetes 48%
(5) Arthralgias 44%
(6) Impotence in men 45%
(7) EKG changes 31%
What are the unusual laboratory findings in hemochromatosis?
(1) Serum iron in excess of 180dl
(2) TIBC normal to low
(3) % saturation > 62%
(4) Serum ferritin > 800 ug/L
What is the treatment for hemochromatosis?
Phlebotomy is used to treat hemochromotosis.
What dietary changes are necessary with hemochromatosis?
(1) avoid raw shellfish
(2) Eat less fat and animal protein
(3) Eat more vegetables and fruits
(4) avoid vitamins
(5) Avoid alcohol
What are the results of phlebotomy therapy?
phlebotomy will improve most symptoms except cirrhosis and diabetes.
How is hemochromatosis screened for?
PCR analysis is used for the HFE mutation
What is megaloblastic anemia?
Anemia characterized by macrocytic cells with immature nuclei and mature cytoplasm.
What foods contain folate?
Folate is found in liver greens and yeast