Normocytic Anaemia

Question 1

What are the main causes of normocytic anaemia?

Answer 1

Acute blood loss or early iron deficiency / hypoproliferative (low reticulocytes)

Question 2

What are some causes of hypoproliferative normocytic anaemia?

Answer 2

Chronic disease, renal failure, hypo-metabolic states and marrow failure

Question 3

In inflammatory diseases, what contributes to the reduced Hb level?

Answer 3

Cytokines released by activated leukocytes and other cells

Question 4

What are the 4 main processes which can explain anaemia of chronic disease?

Answer 4

1. Induction of hepcidin 2. Inhibition of erythropoietin 3. Direct inhibition of the proliferation of erythroid precursors 4. Augmentation of erythrophagocytosis

Question 5

What will be the levels of serum iron in anaemia of chronic disease?

Answer 5

Reduced

Question 6

What will be the transferrin saturation in anaemia of chronic disease?

Answer 6

Reduced

Question 7

What will be the levels of ferritin in anaemia of chronic disease?

Answer 7

Normal or increased

Question 8

Anaemia of chronic disease can have what types of MCV?

Answer 8

Usually normocytic, can be microcytic