Nutritional Anemias Flashcards
Whats another name for macrocytic?
Megaloblastic
What do the lack of B12 and folate cause?
4
- effect the development of RBCs in the bone marrow
- slows the synthesis of DNA but not RNA
- The RBC increases in size before dividing resulting in macrocytic RBCs
- The mechanism of development of the hypersegmented neutrophils is not well understood
What are the only dietary source of B12 for humans?
Meat & dairy products
What does adequate B12 absorption cause?
5
- Dietary intake
- Acid-pepsin in the stomach to liberate Cbl from binding to proteins
- Pancreatic proteases to free Cbl from binding to R factor (R factor delivers it to the duodenum)
- Secretion of intrinsic factor (IF) by the gastric parietal cells to bind Cbl
- An intact ileum with functional Cbl-IF receptors
- Dietary intake
- Acid pepsin in the stomach (binds B12 to proteins)
- Pancreatic proteases (binds B12 to R factor)
- gastric parietal cells (binds B12 to IF)
- Funtional Ilieum with Cbl-IF receptors
How is pernicous anemia caused?
2
Autoimmune attack on gastric IF
- One type of anti-IF antibodies blocks the attachment of Cbl to IF
- Other type blocks attachment of the Cbl-IF complex to ileal receptors
Who is pernicuous anemia usually seen in?
2
Usually seen in older adults
Seen primary in African Americans & Caucasians/not Hispanics and Asians
What does chronic atrophic gastritis lead to? 2
Whats the pathology behind the above answer?
Leads to a decline in IF production, less acidic pH in the stomach
Associated w/ autoantibodies directed against gastric parietal cells
What kind of cancer is cancer is chronic atrophic gastritis associated with?
2
gastric cancer and gastric carcinoid tumor
Factors that can contribute to food cobalamin malabsorption?
12
- Gastrectomy*/gastritis—absence of gastric acid & pepsin results in impaired liberation of Cbl from its binding to food proteins along w/ the absence of IF
- Gastric atrophy/achlorhydria
- Heilobacter pylori infection (link suggested)
- Intestinal bacterial overgrowth secondary to antibiotic treatment
- Long-term ingestion of metformin, antacids, H2 receptor antagonists & PPI
- Chronic alcoholism**
- Gastric surgery/reconstruction for obesity (bariatric surgery)
- Pancreatic exocrine factors
- Inadequate dietary intake (strict vegans, pregnant women who limit their animal protein intake)
- HIV infection (poor nutrition, chronic diarrhea, ileal dysfunction and exudative enteropathy)
- Crohn’s disease
- Fish tapeworm ingestion
Lab presentation of macrocytic anemia?
1. MCV > 100 fL Often— 2. elevated iron levels, 3. indirect bilirubin & LDH: 4. Peripheral smear—megaoblasts, hypersegmented neutrophils & macrocytosis
What do elevated indirect bilirubin and LDH levels suggest?
2
indicating increased RBC breakdown due to both peripheral destruction & ineffective erythropoiesis
If the macrocytic anemia is severe enough what things could occur?
2
thrombocytopenia & neutropenia
How do B12 and folate levels cause hyperhomcysteinemia and what is this a risk factor (2) for?
- Both Cbl & folate required for the metabolism of homocysteine to methionine
- Elevated homocysteine levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis and venous thromboembolism
What neurological changes are seen in B12 deficiency?
3
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet)
- Progress to severe weakness, spasticity, clonus and even incontinance.
- Memory loss, irritability and dementia
What are these neurological symtpoms due to?
Due to a defect in myelin formation of unknown mechanism
What causes an increased risk of osteoporosis in pts with B12 and folate deficiencies?
Due to suppression of osteoblast (laying down of bone) activity
Increased risk of hip & spine fractures
Etiologies of folate deficiency?
6
poor nutrition alcoholism Infants who are mostly fed goats milk pregnancy patients with chronic hemolytic anemia drugs that interfere with it
What foods is folate found in?
4
meats, green leafy vegetables, nuts and fruit
What are drugs that interfere with folate metabolism?
3
Trimethoprim, methotrexate, phenytoin
What can folate defiency present as?
2
- Macrocytic anemia and
2. hyperhomocysteinemia
How quickly does folate deficiency occur?
4-5 months
How quickly does B12 deficiency occur?
Where are our B12 stores at?
takes years
liver
How do we replace B12?
Have to inject it IM