Microcytic Anaemia Flashcards
Why are erythrocytes smaller in Microcytic anaemias?
Reduced rate of haemoglobin synthesis
In Microcytic anaemias, what other features do the erythrocytes have and why?
Hypochromic (pale) less haemoglobin
What pneumonic should be remembered to remember the causes of Microcytic anaemias?
TAILS
What are the different causes of Microcytic anaemias?
T - Thalassaemia
A - Anaemia of chronic disease
I - Iron deficiency
L - Lead poisoning
S - Sideroblastic anamiea
Of the Microcytic anaemia causes, which one reduces the synthesis of the globin chains?
Thalassaemia
What 2 types of Thalassaemia are there?
Alpha Thalassaemia
Beta Thalassaemia
How many alpha haemoglobin genes does a human have?
4
In alpha Thalassaemia, what affects the severity of the disease?
Number of alpha haemoglobin genes affected
What is the name of the disease state when only 1 alpha haemoglobin gene is deleted in Thalassaemia?
Silent carrier state
What is the name of the disease state when 2 alpha haemoglobin genes are deleted in Thalassaemia?
Alpha thalassaemia trait
What is the name of the disease state when 3 alpha haemoglobin genes are deleted in Thalassaemia?
Haemoglobin H disease
What happens in Haemoglobin H disease?
Excess Beta chains form tetramers and aggregates
What is the name of the disease state when 4 alpha haemoglobin genes are deleted in Thalassaemia?
Hydrophobic Fetalis
Results in Fetal death
What affects the synthesis of the haem group in Microcytic anaemias?
Anaemia of Chronic disease (lack of functional iron)
Iron deficiency
Lead poisoning
Sideroblastic anaemia
What is Sideroblastic anaemia?
Inherited defect in haem synthesis
