Thalassemia & Anemia Of Chronic Disease

Question 1

Describe thalassemia (how is it transmitted/acquired? What are the main types?).

Answer 1

Thalassemia is an inherited condition.

The 2 main types are alpha and beta.

Question 2

What type of anemia is thalassemia?

Answer 2

Microcytic hypochromic

Question 3

What labs are usually ordered and what are the usual results?

Answer 3

Iron studies = usually normal

Peripheral smear = often shows uncleared RBCs (aka “target cells”)

Question 4

How is thalassemia diagnosed?

Answer 4

Hemoglobin (Hgb) electrophoresis

Question 5

What is the treatment/management for thalassemia?

Answer 5

Refer to hematology

Consider reproductive counseling

**Never give iron (to prevent hepatotoxicity)

Question 6

What is another name for Anemia of Chronic Disease and what type of anemia is it?

Answer 6

Anemia of Chronic Inflammation

ACD:
- is usually normocytic normochromic
- may be microcytic hypochromic

Question 7

What are the causes of anemia of chronic disease?

Answer 7

Causes:
- shortened lifespan of RBCs from 100-120 days to 60-90 days
- untreated/undertreated underlying condition/s

Question 8

What is the most important diagnostic tool for diagnosing ACD?

Answer 8

Patient history

Question 9

Name several common differential diagnoses for ACD.

Answer 9

• Acute blood loss
• Early IDA
• Malignancy
• Chronic renal insufficiency
• Poorly managed chronic disease
• Other less common diseases

Question 10

What is the treatment for ACD?

Answer 10

Treat the underlying condition