Normocytic Anaemia

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Anaemia with a normal MCV (80-100).

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

Causes:

o Decreased production of normal-sized blood cells (e.g. anaemic of chronic
disease, aplastic anaemia)
o Increased production of HbS (sickle cell disease)
o Increased destruction of red blood cells (e.g. haemolysis, post-haemorrhagic anaemia)
o Uncompensated increase in plasma volume (e.g. pregnancy, fluid overload)
o Vitamin B2 deficiency
o Vitamin B6 deficiency

INFECTION
INFLAMMATION
MALIGNANCY

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

COMMON

Question 4

Presenting symptoms and signs on physical examination

Answer 4

• Typical symptoms and signs of anaemia (depends on severity)
o E.g. breathlessness, fatigue, conjunctival pallor

Question 5

Investigations

Answer 5

• FBC - check Hb and MCV

* Check history for haemorrhage