Microcytic Anaemia

Question 1

Microcytic anaemia is caused by a defect where? This leads to problems with what?

Answer 1

The cytoplasm / Hb synthesis

Question 2

An anaemia caused by deficient Hb synthesis could be described as what?

Answer 2

A microcytic, hypochromic anaemia

Question 3

To make Hb, what do you need?

Answer 3

Globins and haem (formed of iron Fe2+ and porphyrin ring)

Question 4

What are some generic causes of haem deficiency which could lead to a microcytic anaemia?

Answer 4

Reduced iron for erythropoiesis, problems with porphyrin synthesis

Question 5

What are some causes of a lack of iron?

Answer 5

Iron deficiency due to low body iron or anaemia of chronic disease leading to lack of available iron

Question 6

What are some causes of a lack of porphyrin synthesis?

Answer 6

Lead poisoning or pyridoxine responsive anaemias

Question 7

What is a rare condition which causes haem deficiency which can lead to a microcytic anaemia?

Answer 7

Congenital sideroblastic anaemia

Question 8

What is the main cause of globin deficiency?

Answer 8

Thalassaemia

Question 9

To have a microcytic anaemia, there must be a deficiency of one of what two things?

Answer 9

Haem or globin

Question 10

What is the most common cause of microcytic anaemia?

Answer 10

Iron deficiency

Question 11

The vast majority of the iron in the body is found within where?

Answer 11

Haemoglobin

Question 12

Describe the sequential consequences of a negative iron balance?

Answer 12

Exhaustion of iron stores leads to iron deficient erythropoiesis and a falling MCV causing microcytic anaemia.

Question 13

Over time, iron deficiency can cause epithelial changes in the skin - what is an example?

Answer 13

Koilonychia

Question 14

Iron deficiency can be confirmed as a diagnosis by what results?

Answer 14

Anaemia (low Hb) and reduced storage iron (low serum ferritin)

Question 15

What are the 3 major causes of iron deficiency?

Answer 15

Not consuming enough to meet physiological requirements, losing too much or not absorbing enough iron

Question 16

Relative deficiency of iron due to insufficient intake of iron can be seen in who? Why?

Answer 16

Women of child bearing age and children / they have increased demands for iron

Question 17

Absolute deficiency of iron due to insufficient intake of iron can be seen in who?

Answer 17

Vegetarians

Question 18

What are the 3 main ways people lose iron through blood loss?

Answer 18

Menorrhagia, GI blood loss and haematuria

Question 19

If there is iron deficiency in a man or a post-menopausal women, what should you always consider as the cause?

Answer 19

GI bleed from a tumour, ulcer or NSAID overuse

Question 20

What is the main cause of not enough iron being absorbed?

Answer 20

Coeliac disease

Question 21

If a man is iron deficient, what should you always assume?

Answer 21

That it is pathological and not a dietary problem