Wk 9: Urea + electrolytes (Calcium, magnesium, FBC) Flashcards
What range of calcium levels is considered a medical emergency?
> 3.75 (MI risk)
How is raised calcium levels managed?
- Fluids initially
- IV bisphosphonates
Low levels of magnesium are associated with which other ions?
Ca + K bc Mg help transport Ca + K in + out of cells
What are the causes of iron deficiency anaemia?
- Inadequate diet
- Deficient absorption
- Blood loss (menorrhagia + GI bleeding)
What is the management of microcytic anaemia?
- Oral: ferrous sulphate 200mg OD continue til normal then 3 months after
- Parenteral: presence of malabs (ferinject)
What are the monitoring requirements of microcytic anaemia?
- HB rise 20g/L over 3-4 wks
- Recheck w/in 4 wks
- Adequate response: continue + recheck FB in 2-4 months
- Inadequate: assess compliance, tolerance + refer if lack response after 2-4wks
What is required in patients who present w/ iron deficient anaemia?
Med history - NSAIDs + warfarin = GI bleed = iron deficiency anaemia
B12 malabsorption can be due to what?
Atrophic gastritis + lack of intrinsic factor secretion
What is the management for macrocytic anaemia?
Folate deficiency: oral folic acid 5mg
B12 deficiency: - Hydroxocobalamin 1mg IM alternate days for 2 wks
- Maintenance 1mg IM every 3 months
Which other patients are associated with macrocytic anaemia?
High chronic intake of alcohol - HB + RBC normal but MCV raised
What are C-reactive proteins?
- Prod in acute phase response
- Synthesised in liver
- Inc w/in 6hrs of acute event
