Untitled Deck Flashcards
What is microcytic anaemia
Defined as small hypochromic RBC’s with low mean corpuscular volume ~ typically below 83 microns
List some causes of haemolytic anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia Insufficient intake Insufficient absorption Increased iron loss Increased iron requirements Sideroblastic anaemia Lead poisoning Congenital Chronic alcohol absue Anti TB medsMyelodysplasic syndromesAlpha and beta thalassaemia Anaemia of chronic disease ~ normocytic
List some general signs and symptoms of anaemia
Tiredness Weakness Headches/dizzinessConjunctiva pallor TachycardiaIncreased RRDyspnoea Cold intolerance
List some specific signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia
Koilonychia Hair loss Pica ~ unusual dietary cravings Atrophic glossitis Angular stomatitis
List some signs of lead poisoning (causes sideroblastic anaemia)
Motor Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g: Reduced grip strength, weakness in muscles/ absent reflexes)Bowel DisturbanceConfusion/personality changeMetallic taste in the mouthHaemolysis (clinically presenting with dark urine and pallor)Blue line on gum and dense metaphysial lines on radiograph
Outline the investigations for iron deficiency anaemia
FBC Iron studies ~ serum iron(low), ferritin(low), transferritin saturation (low), high total iron binding capacityBlood film Peripheral blood smear ~ demonstrates hypochromic microcytic anaemia Reticulocyte count ~ low MCV ~ less than 83 microns
What are the investigations for new iron deficiency anaemia
Colonscopy Oesoohageal gastroduodenectomy Need to be investigated for cancer
Outline the invesitgations for sideroblastic anaemia
FBC Hb and MCV ~ low Iron studies ~ high ferritin, iron and transferrin Blood films Bone marrow examination
Outline the management of iron deficiency anaemia
Treat underlying cause Replace iron ~ oral ferrous sulphate. IV iron, blood transfusion, iron rich diet Use erythropoietin if ferritin and transferrin saturation is normal
Outline the management of sideroblastic anaemia
Treat underlying cause Pyridoxine
What is macrocytic anaemia
When the RBC are bigger than normla but there is still low Hb It can be megaloblastic or normoblastic
What is megaloblastic macrocytic anaemia
There is slow or impaired DNA synthesis which lead to delayed maturation of RBCs This leads to a large abrnomal RBC being produced There is also hypersegmented neutrophils on blood film
List some causes of macrocytic anaemia
Megaloblastic: B12 deficiency ~ pernicious anaemia, dietary insufficiency and malabsorption Folate deficiency Normoblastic Alcohol - accompanied by raised yGGTReticulocytosis Hypothyroidism Liver diseaseDrugs Myelodysplasia
List some causes of B12 deficiency
Vegan diet Post gastrectomy Illeal resection Crohns disease
List some causes of pernicious anaemia
40 years oldBackground of auto-immune thyroid disease, vitiligo, T1DM and Addison’s diseaseFemale
List some causes of a folate deficiency
Pregnancy (Increased demand)Poor diet + AlcoholCoeliac disease (Malabsorption)Drugs
List some signs and symptoms of macrocytic anaemia
Pale skin & Conjunctival pallorTachycardia / palpitationsRaised respiratory rate & SOBTirednessHeadaches / DizzinessBeefy tongueWorsening of other conditions such as angina, heart failure or peripheral vascular disease
List some signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency anaemia
Peripheral Neuropathy: Pins & needles (Paraesthesia), numbnessBeefy red sore tongueVisual ChangesWeakness, ataxia, spasticityMemory loss, confusion, irritability (mood)GlossitisAngular stomatitisLoss of vibration sense or proprioception
Outline the investigations for macrocytic anaemia
FBC Haematinics ~ serum B12 and folate, MCV highBlood film TFT’s ~ hypothyroidism LFT’s Antibodies to intrinsic factor Markers of haemolysis ~ bilirubin etc
Outline the management of megaloblastic anaemia
IM hydroxocobalamin (VitB12)Folic acid Dietary advice to increase B12 and folic acid You need to address the B12 deficiency first before folate replacement to avoid exacebating neuro symptoms and causing subacute degeneration of the spinal cord
Outline the management of normoblastic anaemia
Treat the underlying cause like addressing alcohol consumption or support during pregnancy
What are some complications of megaloblastic anaemia
Pernicious anaemia ~ increased risk of gastric cancer Folate deficiency ~ neural tube defects - all women should take 400mcg of folic acid until 12th week of pregnancy and those at high risk should start taking it from before conception
What is sickle cell anaemia
Genetic condition where normal haemoglobin has a tendency to form abnormal Hb molecules upon deoxygenation leading to distorted RBC’s Autosomal recessive conditionHbSS - severe HbSC - milderHbAS - trait
What causes sickle cell disease
Autosomal recessive inheritence ~ HbSS instead of HbAAHbSS ~ severe form HbSC ~ milder