RBC Disorders - Anemia Due To Underproduction

Question 0

How does parvovirus b19 cause anemia? In what setting does it manifest itself? How is it treated?

Answer 0

It infects progenitor red cells and temporarily halts erythropoesis. Leads to anemia in the setting of predicting marrow stress. Tx is supportive since infection is self limited.

Question 1

How do you characterize the decreased production of RBCs and what are three causes?

Answer 1

Characterized by low corrected reticulocyte count. Etiologies include a. Causes of microcytic and macrocytic anemia b. Renal failure via EPO c. Damage to Bone marrow precursor cells

Question 2

Which type of anemia causes damage to hemapoietic cells? What does it cause and what is its etiology? What would you see on biopsy? How would you treat?

Answer 2

Aplastic anemia. Causes pancytopenia with low reticulocyte count. Etiologies include drugs or chemicals, viral infections and autoimmune damage. Empty, fatty marrow. Tx is cessation of drugs, transfusions or marrow stimulating factors.

Question 3

What disease can impair hematopoiesis and cause pancytopenia?

Answer 3

Myelophthistic process such as metastatic cancer.