Microcytic Anaemia Flashcards
state three signs of microcytic anaemia ?
koilonychia
angular stomatitis
post cricoid web (narrowing of the oesophagus which can be part of plummer vinson syndrome)
what three types of cells are seen on blood films with iron deficiency anaemia?
ansiocytosis
poikilocytosis
pencil cells
what does ansiocytosis mean?
lots of different sizes of RBCs
what does poikilocytosis mean?
abnormal size of RBCs
what is a side effect of 200mg ferrous sulphate (the treatment for iron deficiency?
GI upset
what are the three main causes of microcytic anaemia?
thalassaemia
iron deficiency
sideroblastic anaemia
secondary to disease
what occurs during sideroblastic anaemia ?
ineffective erythropoiesis (RBC production)
- increased Fe absorption
- iron loading in BM
- haemosiderosis (iron overload)
what organs can iron overload effect?
endocrine glands
liver
cardiac damage
what does serum ferritin and Fe show for sideroblastic anaemia?
increased Fe and ferritin
normal total iron binding capacity
state some causes of sideroblastic anaemia?
congenital defects in mitochondria
myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease
chemo/anti TB drugs
what happens to MCV in thalassaemia ?
decreases
what is a complication of repeated transfusions?
haemochromatosis
when does beta thalassaemia major symptoms appear?
3-6months when Hb fetal depletes
state some beta thalassaemia major symptoms?
severe anaemia
jaundice (intravascular haemolysis)
FTT (failure to thrive)
HSM
state two cells seen on the blood film of beta thalassaemia major?
target cells
nucleated RBCs
what is the treatment for sideroblastic anaemia?
remove the cause
what is the treatment for beta thalassaemia major?
life long transfusions
iron chelation
BM transplant
