Microcytic anemia Flashcards
what does a small RDW (red cell distribution width) mean?
uniform size
non heme iron is mostly present in what forms?
sulfate and gluconate
iron is best absorbed in what pH environment?
acidic
what is the role of hepcidin?
shuts down iron transporter (ferroportin) on duodenal cell, reducing the amount of available iron for circulation
which cells produce EPO?
renal fibroblasts
where is most of the iron storage in the body located?
circulating RBCs
what lab values will you see with iron deficiency anemia?
- low Hb/Hct
- low MCV
- low ferritin (accurate measurement)
- low transferrin saturation
- high TIBC
- reticulocytosis
what are the symptoms of IDA?
- pica / pagophagia
- restless leg syndrome
- pallor / pale palmar creases / pale conjunctiva
- glossitis
- nail changes
what is the key player in anemia of chronic disease?
hepcidin (an acute phase reactant)
is anemia of renal disease usually hypochromic, hyperchromic, or normochromic?
normochromic
what is the mechanism for anemia of renal disease?
- renal fibroblasts don’t make EPO
2. bone marrow is not stimulated
target cells are very common in what conditions?
alpha and beta thalassemia
why is there no alpha globin made in B thalassemia?
because you do not have beta subunits - you are producing mostly gamma and delta
what are the clinical features of B thalassemia?
- increased RBC destruction
- iron overload in RES
- anemia, hypermetabolic marrow
- therapeutic phlebotomy
- transfusion requirement
what is the characteristic finding in sideroblastic anemia?
ring sideroblast in the marrow
