Anaemias Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the genetic cause of sickle-cell disease?
A structural abnormality in haemoglobin causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and less flexible.
What triggers a sickle-cell crisis?
Sudden onset of pain, infection, anaemia, or complications like stroke or priapism; often with a history of previous crises.
When should penicillin prophylaxis begin and end in children with sickle cell disease?
Start by 3 months of age and continue until 5 years old.
What drug reduces the frequency of painful crises in sickle cell anaemia?
Hydroxycarbamide (Hydroxyurea).
What is the only curative treatment for sickle-cell disease?
Stem cell transplantation.
Why is folic acid supplementation often needed in sickle cell patients?
Due to increased erythropoiesis from haemolytic anaemia increasing folate requirements.
Does sickle cell disease protect against malaria?
No, and malaria can be more severe due to splenic hypofunction.
What triggers haemolytic anaemia in G6PD deficiency?
Infections, certain drugs, or eating fava beans (favism).
Name three drugs that pose a definite risk of haemolysis in G6PD deficiency.
Dapsone, nitrofurantoin, sulfonamides.
What treatment combination is effective for non-severe aplastic anaemia?
Intravenous antithymocyte globulin with ciclosporin.
What is erythropoietin’s role in the body?
Stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Name a long-acting erythropoietin used in renal anaemia.
Darbepoetin alfa or methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta.
Name two recombinant G-CSFs used in neutropenia.
Filgrastim and pegfilgrastim.
What is the key diagnostic test for iron stores?
Ferritin.
What is the initial treatment for iron deficiency anaemia?
Oral iron supplements (e.g., ferrous sulfate).
What kind of anaemia results from B12 or folate deficiency?
Megaloblastic anaemia.
What is the standard treatment for folate deficiency?
Folic acid 5 mg daily for 4 months.
What neurological symptom is unique to B12 deficiency?
Tingling in hands/feet (peripheral neuropathy).
What are the main indications for hydroxycarbamide in the BNF?
Sickle cell disease (to reduce frequency of crises), chronic myeloid leukaemia, and certain myeloproliferative disorders.
What is the primary indication for erythropoietins?
Anaemia associated with chronic renal failure and chemotherapy-induced anaemia.
What is a key monitoring requirement during erythropoietin therapy?
Monitor haemoglobin concentration to avoid excessive increases (risk of thrombotic events).
What is the main indication for G-CSFs like filgrastim?
To reduce the duration of neutropenia in patients undergoing chemotherapy and to treat severe chronic neutropenia.
Pegfilgrastim and lipegfilgrastim are pegylated and have longer durations of action, allowing for once-per-cycle dosing
What is Ferinject used for?
Treatment of iron deficiency when oral iron is ineffective or not tolerated.
What is a key risk of intravenous iron like Ferinject?
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis; patients should be monitored during and after administration.
