Macrocytic Anaemia

Question 1

what does macrocytic mean?

Answer 1

RBC have a larger volume than normal

Question 2

if MCV is over 100fl

Answer 2

macrocytic anaemia

Question 3

what is a megaloblast>

Answer 3

an abnormally large nucleated red cell precursor with an immature nucleus

Question 4

megaloblastic anaemias are a sub category of macrocytic anaemias… what does this mean?

Answer 4

these have defects in DNA synthesis and nuclear maturation

this means the cell thinks it has enough Hb and so doesnt divide to become smaller so end up with bigger cells with immature nucleus

Question 5

what are the main causes of megaloblastic macrocytic anaemia?

Answer 5

B12/folate deficiency

Pernicious anaemia

drugs

Question 6

what is pernicious anaemia

Answer 6

autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells

therefore no intrinsic factor to help absorb B12

Question 7

what antibodies should you check for in pernicious anaemia

Answer 7

ANTI intrinsic fatcor

ANTI gastric parietal cell

Question 8

name some causes of NON megaloblastic macrocytosis

Answer 8

these might not always be associated woth anaemia:
alcohol
liver disease
hypothyroid

this one might be associated with anaemaia:

marrow failure- myeloma

                        - aplastic anaemia
                      - myelodysplasia

Question 9

name some cause of spurious macrocytosis (false type)

Answer 9

reticulocytosis

cold agglutinin disease