Red Cell Physiology and Anaemia Flashcards
What is anaemia?
Reduction in red cells or their haemoglobin content
What is the cause of anaemia?
Blood loss
Increased destructio
Lack of production
Defective production
What is required for red cell production?
Metals: Iron, copper, cobalt, manganese
Vitamins: B12, folic acid, thiamine, Vit.B6, C,E
Amino acids
Hormones: Erythropoietin, GM-CSF, androgens, thyroxine
Where does Red Cell breakdown occur?
Reticuloendothelial system
What is the normal lifespan of RBCs?
120 Days
What do defects in rbc skeletal proteins result in?
increased cell destruction
What is the function of G6PD?
Protects haemoglobin from oxidative damage
What occurs if there is a deficiency in G6PD?
Oxidative damage which confers protection against
malaria
What are the haemoglobin ranges for males?
Male 12-70 = 140-180
Male >70 = 116-156
What are the haemoglobin ranges for females?
Females 12-70 = 120-160
Females >70 = 108-143`
What are the general features of anaemia?
Tiredness/pallor Breathlessness Swelling of ankles Dizziness Chest Pain
What does MCH stand for?
Mean Cell Haemoglobin
What does MCV stand for?
Mean Cell Volume
What does low serum ferritin indicate?
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
What does normal or increased serum ferritin indicate?
Thalassaemia
Secondary Anaemia
Sideroblastic Anaemia
