Nonmalignant Hematological Disorders Flashcards
Q: What is anemia?
A condition characterized by lower than normal hemoglobin and fewer than normal erythrocytes.
List 3 different ways to be Anemic.
- Hypoproliferative (defective production of RBCs)
- Hemolytic (increased destruction of RBCs)
- Bleeding (blood loss)
Q: What is the result of anemia?
Decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Q: What is considered severe anemia?
(give a number)
hemoglobin < 6 g/dL
Give 6 significant symptoms of Severe Anemia
- Pallor or jaundice
- Difficulty concentrating
- Angina/Heart failure/MI **
- Glossitis or smooth tongue
- Difficulty swallowing, sore mouth
- Bone pain
6 Lab Studies for Anemic Patients
- H&H
- iron studies
- B12 levels
- folate
- erythropoietin levels
- bone marrow aspiration
List 4 HYPOproliferative Anemias
(defective RBC production)
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Anemia in Renal Disease
- Aplastic Anemia
- Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency (Megaloblastic Anemia)
What happens in Hypoproliferative anemia
Bone marrow does not produce enough RBCs
What are the 3 causes for Hypoproliferative Anemia
- Bone marrow damage from chemicals or medications
- Lack of erythropoietin (EPO)
- Lack of nutrients – (e.g. iron, vitamin B12, folic acid)
What exactly is Erythropoietin (EPO)
hormone produced primarily by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow
Most common ANEMIA in the world
Iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia results from:
List 4
- Not taking in enough iron in the diet
- Increase in the body’s demand for iron- children/adolescents rapid growth
- Decrease in absorption of iron- need enough stomach acid
- Losing iron (blood loss)
S/S that will be seen on pt who is Iron deficient.
List 3
- Spoon-shaped nails
- Pica-abnormal cravings
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS) - uncontrollable urge to move the legs
Iron Deficiency Anemia:
Spoon-shaped nails
#1 Common cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia in ADULTS is due to
Bleeding
Due to:
* menstrual period
* Colon polyps/cancer
* GI bleed from ulcers
Other COMMON cause
- Pregnancy
- Following bariatric surgery /gastrectomy **
- Celiac disease- caused by eating gluten: causes inflammation & kills duodenum cells
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- GERD – taking PPI **
Q: What do decreased hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels indicate?
A: They indicate the presence of anemia but do NOT provide the cause.
Q: What additional testing is needed to determine the cause of anemia?
- The patient will need blood work, specifically iron studies
-This determines if a lack of iron is the cause of their anemia.
List 4 Iron Studies
- Serum Iron levels -Measures the amount of iron in the blood
- Percent transferrin saturation- Measures how many sites on the transferrin are occupied by iron
-
Total iron binding capacity (transferrin levels)
Measures the amount of transferrin – the body recognizes when iron levels are low and starts producing more transferrin - Ferritin levels- A blood protein that contains iron– low ferritin indicates the body’s iron stores are low
In Iron Deficiency:
What iron studies (blood work) will be HIGH?
Total iron binding capacity (transferrin levels)
In Iron Deficiency:
What iron studies (blood work) will be LOW?
- Serum Iron levels
- Percent transferrin saturation
- Ferritin levels
What is the primary mode of treatment for Iron Deficiency anemia?
oral iron supplements
How long does it typically take for hemoglobin (Hgb) levels to increase when taking Iron supplements (oral)?
a few weeks.
How long does it typically take for anemia to be corrected when taking oral iron supplements?
few months- continue taking 6-12 months
Instructions when taking Oral Iron Supplements.
- Take on empty stomach (1 hr before or 2 hrs after meal) - best absorbed in ACIDIC ENVIRONMENT
- Take with orange juice or other source of vitamin C
-Increase foods rich in vitamin C to enhance absorption
2 main common side effects of Iron supplements
- Stools often appear black, may have constipation, cramping, nausea
- Liquid iron may stain teeth
When might a patient need to take iron supplements with food, and what is the impact on absorption?
- If they experience GI discomfort.
- This can lead to decreased absorption, resulting in a longer time to replenish iron stores.
Q: How can sustained-release iron supplements affect GI side effects?
May help decrease GI side effects compared to standard formulations, providing a gentler option for patients.
Q: What precautions should be taken when using liquid iron supplements to prevent tooth staining?
- drink it with a straw
- rinse the mouth afterward to minimize staining
(liquid iron is undiluted=stronger)
Q: What is the primary approach to managing iron deficiency anemia?
treat the underlying cause
Q: What are the two types of iron replacement therapy?
oral and parenteral (injected).
Q: What are the 2 routes of administration for parenteral iron supplements?
- intramuscular (IM) injection
- intravenously (IV)- risk of an allergic reaction, and the patient should be monitored accordingly.
Q: What precautions should be taken when administering intramuscular (IM) iron solutions?
- may stain the skin
- therefore, separate needles should be used for withdrawing the solution and for injecting the medication.
2nd type of Hypoproliferate anemia:
Occurs due to reduced production of erythropoietin hormone (EPO)
Anemia in Renal disease
Whats the main job of erythropoietin hormone (EPO)
is the hormone that signals the bone marrow to produce RBCs
Renal Disease Anemia is more sever in what type of patients.
patients with BOTH chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes
3 MAIN troubling symptoms of Renal Disease Anemia
- Increased cardiac output
- Reduced oxygen utilization
- Decreased libido
3RD type of Hypoproliferate anemia:
Rare, life-threatening disease – caused by a decrease or damage to bone marrow stem cells = bone marrow failure
Aplastic anemia
“not forming”
How exactly does bone marrow fail in Aplastic anemia
Body’s T-cells attack bone marrow – bone marrow is replaced with FAT