Microcytic anaemia

Question 1

Definition of anaemia

Answer 1

Hb below the reference range for the age/sex of an individual

Question 2

Two surrogate markers for red cell mass

Answer 2

Hb concentration and haematocrit (Hct)

Question 3

In what situation would Hb/Hct not be a good marker of anaemia?

Answer 3

Rapid blood loss followed by treatment with plasma expansion

Question 4

What is the body’s response to anaemia?

Answer 4

Increased red cell production- results in reticulocytosis (presence of immature RBCs in blood film)

Question 5

If MCV is low,consider problems with…

Answer 5

Haemoglobinisation

Question 6

Main causes of microcytic anaemia (3)

Answer 6

Iron deficiency
Thalassaemia
Occasionally anaemia of chronic disease

Question 7

Circulating iron is bound to…

Answer 7

Transferrin

Question 8

Iron is stored in the liver in…

Answer 8

Ferritin

Question 9

Low serum ferritin means…

Answer 9

Iron deficiency

Question 10

Signs of iron deficiency anaemia (4)

Answer 10

Angular stomatitis
Koilonychia
Dysphagia
Pica (bizarre cravings)

Question 11

Causes of iron deficiency

Answer 11

Inadequate dietary intake
Inadequate absorption (e.g. coeliac)
Increased iron loss through haemorrhage (usually GI)

Question 12

Causes of chronic blood loss

Answer 12

Menorrhagia
GI bleed (inc. occult blood loss)
Haematuria

Question 13

General symptoms of anaemia

Answer 13

Pale
SOB
Palpitations
Lethargy