Microcytic Anaemia Flashcards
Define Microcytic Anaemia?
Anaemia associated with a low MCV (< 80 fl)
What are the causes of Microcytic Anaemia?
Iron Deficiency - Most Common
Anaemia of Chronic Disease
Thalassemia
Sideroblastic Anaemia
What are the causes of Iron Deficiency?
Blood Loss (e.g. GI) Reduced absorption (e.g. small bowel disease) Increased demands (e.g. growth, pregnancy) Reduced intake (e.g. vegans)
What is Anaemia of Chronic Disease?
Microcytic Anaemia in a patient with chronic disease
What is Sideroblastic Anaemia?
Abnormality of haem synthesis
It can be inherited or it can be secondary (e.g. to alcohol, drugs)
What is the epidemiology of Microcytic Anaemia?
Iron deficiency anaemia is the MOST COMMON form of anaemia worldwide
What are the symptoms of Microcytic Anaemia?
Non-Specific
Lead Poisoning Symptoms
What is the signficance of Lead Poisoning and Microcytic Anaemia?
Lead poisoning can cause Microcytic Anaemia
What are the Non-Specifc presenting symptoms of Microcytic Anaemia?
Tiredness Lethargy Malaise Dyspnoea Pallor Exacerbation of ischaemic conditions (e.g. angina, intermittent claudication)
What are the symptoms of Lead Poisoning?
Anorexia Nausea/vomiting Abdominal pain Constipation Peripheral nerve lesions
What are the signs of Microcytic Anaemia on physical examination?
Signs of Anaemia Glossitis Angular Stomatitis Signs of Thalassaemia Lead Poisoning Signs
What are the signs of anaemia for Microcytic Anaemia on physical examination?
Pallor
Brittle nails and hair
Kolionychia (if severe)
What are the Lead Poisoning Signs of Microcytic Anaemia?
Blue gumline Peripheral nerve lesions (causing wrist or foot drop) Encephalopathy Convulsions Reduced consiousness
What investigatiosn would you do for Microcytic Anaemia?
Bloods Blood Film Hb Electrophoresis Sideroblastic Anaemia Special investigations
What bloods do we do for Microcytic Anaemia?
FBC Serum Iron Total Iron Binding Capacity Serum Ferritin Serum lead