Pallor Flashcards

1
Q

Causes of Pallor

A
  1. Pheripheral vasocontriction - eg. Shock
  2. Anaemia from blood loss (Gut, Resp tract); Deficiency state (Fe, Folate and B12); Chronic Haemolysis (immune/ non-immune mediated); Decreased production (pancytopenia)
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2
Q

Pallor in examination cases

A
  1. Thalassaemia
  2. Spherocytosis
  3. Leukaemia
  4. Fanconi Anaemia
  5. Autoimnmune Haemolysis
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3
Q

Examination steps

A
  1. Note Pallor: Conjuctivae, Oral mucosa, Palm and sole and nail bed
  2. Demonstrate poor circulation - poor pulse volume; delay capillary refill, Tachycardia
  3. 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
  4. Abdominal examination - Injection marks /bruises / Hepatomegaly/ Splenomegaly
  5. Precordial examination for Sternal tenderness and HF
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