Robbins 14: Anemia Review Flashcards
Anemias are characterized by
- ↓ RBC
- ↓ Hct
- ↓ Hb
What is RDW and what does it tell us?
- Red cell distribution width = Measure of variability of RBC size
- Wide (↑) RDW = Reactive phenomenon seen in anemia when our BM is functioning properly: marrow is pumping out reticulocytes (larger cells)
What is MCHC?
- Average concentration of Hgb in RBC
What is MCH?
Mean cell hemoglobin = average mass of Hgb/RBC
What qualifies as Anemia in M and W?
Men: Hb < 13
Women: Hb <12
Microcytic anemias are due to…
↓ hemoglobin in the RBC due to:
- Loss of globins
- Loss of iron
- Loss of heme
Normocytic anemias are due to…
↑ destruction (hemolysis)/blood loss or ↓ production of RBC by BM.
Patient presents with normocytic anemia.
How do differentiate the cause?
Reticulocyte count
-
↑ reticulocyte count ➔ ↑ destruction (hemolytic anemia)
- BM has NL response to anemia
- ↓ reticulocyte count ➔ underproduction
Macrocytic anemias are due to…
Abnormalities that impair maturation of erythroid precursors in BM
Types of Microcytic Anemia
Iron LAST
- Iron-deficiency
- Lead poisoning
- Anemia of chronic disease (mostly, normocytic)
- Sideroblastic Anemia
- Thalassemias
What are Microcytic Anemias that occur due to ↓ iron?
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Anemia of Chronic Disease (iron is trapped as ferritan)
What are Microcytic Anemias that occur due to ↓ globins?
Thalassemias
What are Microcytic Anemias that occur due to ↓ heme?
- Lead poisoning
- Sideroblastic anemia
Types of Macrocytic Anemias
- Megaloblastic Anemias (B12/folate deficiency/ pernicious anemia): ABNL DNA synthesis
- Other: Alcoholism and liver failure
Morphology of Megaloblastic Anemias
- Macro-ovalocytes
- Hypersegmented neutrophils (>5 lobes)
- Anisocytosis (variation in size)
- Poikilocytosis (variation in shape)
What are the Hct and MCV in Megaloblastic anemia?
- INC MCV
- DEC Hct