Microcytic Anemias Flashcards
What is the definition of anemia?
Decreased oxygen transport due to red blood cells not supplying enough oxygen
What values do we see when Microcytic/Hypochromic anemia occurs?
MCV < 80
MCHC < 32%
What are factors affecting Iron levels?
Ingestion
Absorption
Recycled Hemoglobin
Stores
Loss
What are factors affecting iron Absorption?
Health of the Gastric Mucosa
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Current Iron Stores
Erythropoietic Need
Amount of Iron Ingested
How much iron is recycled for adults?
95%
1.0 mg for men and infants
2.0 mg for women
How much iron is recycled for infants?
70%
1.0 mg for infants
What are the causes related to Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)?
Increased Demands
Lack of Iron Intake
Nutritional Deficiency
Blood Loss
Pica, Cheilitis, and Koilonychia are representative of what?
Unique Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)
How do we test for IDA in a lab?
RBC status by CBC
Iron Status (Serum Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC))
Accumulation of iron in the mitochondria, resulting in Mitochondrial Overload is a cause of what?
Sideroblastic Anemia
Is Sideroblastic Anemia Acquired or Hereditary?
Both
Acquired: High Transfusion, Alcoholism, Lead Poisoning, Chloramphenicol
Hereditary: Enzyme Deficiency
How do we diagnose Sideroblastic Anemia?
Ringed Siderblasts
What does the abnormal gene HFE cause at a young age?
Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH)
Autosomal Recessive Disorder
Cirrhosis of the liver, Diabetes, Swollen Joints, and Hair Loss are characteristic of what?
Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH)
What are the specific diagnostic guidelines set by the CDC in relation to Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH)?
Serum Ferritin Levels > 300 ug/L
Transferrin Saturation Levels >60% (45-60% = borderline)
What is the cause of Thalassemia?
Defect in Hemoglobin Synthesis
Lack of Alpha or Beta globin chain production
What is the cause of Alpha Thalassemia?
Deletion of one or more alpha genes
A-chain is critical in adult Hb formation
What is known as the complete absence of alpha globin chain synthesis?
Bart’s Hydrops Fetalis
How is Hgb Bart’s created?
4 gamma globin chains
Spontaneous abortion and stillbirth
How is Hemoglobin H Disease acquired?
3 gene deletion, 1 functional A chain
RBC resembles a pitted golf ball
What is known as having two functional alpha genes that is usually seen with mild anemia?
Alpha Thalassemia Trait
What is known as having three functional alpha genes and is hematologically normal?
Silent Carrier
Beta Thalassemia Major aka Cooley’s/Mediterranean Anemia is caused by?
Little or no Beta globin chain synthesis
What is known as One abnormal beta gene that is inherited heterozygously?
Beta Thalassemia Trait (Minor)
Mimics IDA
Basophilic Stippling
Target cells