Microcytic Anaemia Flashcards
What is anaemia?
Low haemoglobin concentration
What is microcytic anaemia?
When mean cell volume is below normal
What are symptoms of anaemia?
Fatigue, dyspnoea, faintness, palpitations, headache, anorexia, irritability, difficulty concentrating
What are signs of anaemia?
Pallor, tachycardia, systolic flow murmur, cardiac failure
What Hb concentrations indicate anaemia in M and F?
M = <135 g per L. F = <115 g per L
What is the normal range for mean cell volume?
76-96 femtolitres
What can cause microcytic anaemia?
Anaemia of chronic disease, thalassaemia, iron deficiency
What can cause iron deficiency?
Blood loss, poor diet, malabsorption, hookworm
What tests would you do?
FBC, reticulocyte count, iron and ferritin test
How do you treat iron deficiency anaemia?
Treat underlying cause, oral iron, IV iron in emergencies
What are some side effects of ferrous sulphate?
Nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea/constipation, black stools
What are some signs specific to IDA?
Spoon-shaped nails, angular stomatitis
