Heamatology/Oncology

Question 1

what are the Hb levels which define aneamia in children <5, between 5-11 and between 11-15?

Answer 1

<5 - <11g/dL
5-11 - <11.5g/dL
11-15 - <12g/dL

Question 2

causes of iron deficient anaemia?

Answer 2

low iron diet (cows milk is low in iron)
growth spurt
menstrual bleeds
blood loss

Question 3

what type of anaemia is iron deficient aneamia?

Answer 3

Microcytic, hypochromic anaemia

Question 4

Presentation of anaemia

Answer 4

may be asymptomatic
pallor, irritability, anorexia, breathlessness, lethargy, repeated infections, strange food cravings (eg eating non-food products, known as Pica)

Question 5

Causes of haemolytic anaemia and megaloblastic anaemia

Answer 5

haemolytic: thalassemia, autoimmune
megaloblastic: folate deficiency

Question 6

Management of iron deficient anaemia

Answer 6

Prevention: iron fortified cereals, iron rich diet
iron supplementation (2-6mg/kg of oral ferrous sulphate for three months)
transfusions if child is compromised or has cardiac failure