Microcytic Anemia Flashcards
The most common cause for iron deficiency in adults is _________ not _____
1) blood loss
2) dietary iron deficiency
Condition associated with development of abnormal, dilated, blood vessels within the wall of the bowel that bleed easily
Angiodysplasia
The earliest, and most sensitive, laboratory indicator of iron deficiency is a reduction in?
Serum ferritin
With a well established iron deficiency you will usually see a decrease in serum iron and an increase in…
TIBI (TIBC increases because of the body’s attempt at increasing availability of iron by synthesizing more transferrin)
The “classic” picture of full blown______ is a microcytic, hypochromic anemia with decreased serum ferritin, low serum iron, increased TIBC, and reduced transferrin saturation.
Iron deficiency
Typical iron replacement therapy
Ferrous Sulfate 325 mg 3x per day
Inherited genetic disorders associated with defects in the synthesis of the globin subunits of hemoglobin
Thalassemia
Which have lower MCV counts: iron deficiency or thalassemias?
Thalassemias (MCV below 70 fl)
Anemia of chronic disease is caused by…
Chronic infections, inflammatory disease, and some malignancies
What is the mechanism for ACD
Defect in the ability of the body to deliver iron from storage sites to the bone marrow where it can be used for RBC production
Treatment of ACD
Correct underlying disease. Blood transfusion can be useful if serve. Some forms respond to erythropoietin. Iron therapy is NOT effective
Why does lead cause mycocytic anemia?
Lead interferes with the functioning of an enzyme that is necessary for the incorporation of iron into the heme molecule
Bluish speckled appearance on RBC associated with lead poisoning
Basophilic stippling
Can be inherited but most commonly caused by exposure to certain drugs or toxins
Sideroblastic anemia
