Normocytic anaemia

Question 1

Define normocytic anaemia.

Answer 1

Reduced Hb with a normal RBC voolume (80-95fL)

Question 2

What is the aetiology of normocytic anaemia?

Answer 2

1 Acute blood loss.

2 Anaemia of chronic disease (or ↓mcv).

3 Bone marrow failure.

4 Renal failure.

5 Hypothyroidism (or ↑mcv).

6 Haemolysis (or ↑mcv).

7 Pregnancy.

Question 3

If there is also low WCC and low platelets in a normocytic anaemia, what should you suspect?

Answer 3

Bone marrow failure

Question 4

What are the cut-offs for Hb for anaemia in males and females?

Answer 4

Males <135g/L

Females <115g/L

Question 5

Summarise the signs and symptoms of anaemia.

Answer 5

• Fatigue
• Dyspnoea
• Faintness
• Palpitations
• Headache
• Tinnitus
• Anorexia
• Pallor
• Hyperdynamic circulation e.g. tachycardia, flow murmurs (ESM over apex) (late)
• Heart failure (late)