Pallor Flashcards
1
Q
Causes of Pallor
A
- Pheripheral vasocontriction - eg. Shock
- Anaemia from blood loss (Gut, Resp tract); Deficiency state (Fe, Folate and B12); Chronic Haemolysis (immune/ non-immune mediated); Decreased production (pancytopenia)
2
Q
Pallor in examination cases
A
- Thalassaemia
- Spherocytosis
- Leukaemia
- Fanconi Anaemia
- Autoimnmune Haemolysis
3
Q
Examination steps
A
- Note Pallor: Conjuctivae, Oral mucosa, Palm and sole and nail bed
- Demonstrate poor circulation - poor pulse volume; delay capillary refill, Tachycardia
- General examination to look for:
a. Evidence of haemolysis - Jaundice, Cooley’s face (frontal bossing, prominent maxilla and protruded incisors, depressed nasal bridge and hyperpigmentation)
b. Evidence of deficiency - Stomatitis, Glossitis, Gum hypertrophy, Koilonychia, Nail dystrophy associated with evidence of malnorishment
c. Evidence of pancytopenia - Bruises and Petechiae
d. Radial anomaly in Fanconi anaemia
e. Evidence of Chemotherapy - eg. Alopicia
f. Look for Lymphadenopathy - axilla, groin, neck and elbow - Abdominal examination - Injection marks /bruises / Hepatomegaly/ Splenomegaly
- Precordial examination for Sternal tenderness and HF