Anemias Flashcards
(51 cards)
What is the best indicator of red cell production?
reticulocyte count
For the kinetic classicfication of Anemia, what falls under inadequate production of RBC?
Hypoproliferative
* Impaired RBC production. Lower than expected numbers of RBC precursors in the marro
Ineffective erythropoiesis
* impaired RBC production despite increased bone marrow RBC precursors. Assembly line “rejects” via apoptosis defective RBC precursors
Can see with: Missing ingredients, low signal (EPO) some meds, infections, inflammation, autoimmunity, genetic, primary marrow disorder
For the kinetic classification of Anemia, what falls under increased RBC destruction or loss (RBC precursors & retics high)
- hemolysis : shortened lifespan of circulating RBC
- blood loos
MCV > 100
macrocytic anemia
MCV < 80
Microcytic anemia
MCV 80-100
Normocytic Anemia
Variation in RBC shape?
poikilocytosis
variation in RBC size
anisocytosis
cell with large, pale centers (less hemoglobin per cell)
hypochromia
what are some conditions that cause macrocytosis?
- recticulocytosis
- Folate deficiency
- B12 deficiency
- primary bone marrow problem (myelodysplasia, leukemia, multiple myeloma, MGUS
- Liver disease, EtOH
- thyroid disease
- medications (hydroxyurea)
- genetic conditions
Conditions that cause normocytosis?
- anemeia of kidney disease
- anemia of chronic disease
- mixed anemia
- early blood loss
conditions that cause microcytosis?
- Iron deficiency
- thalassemia
- anemia of chronic disease
- hereditary spherocytosis
- lead poisoning
If the bone marrow is responding to the anemia appropriately, what would you expect the reticulocytes to be?
High
Bone marrow is adequately trying to correct anemia
think blood loss or hemolysis
if the bone marrow is not responding to anemia appropriately, what you expect reticulocyte count to be?
Low
(bone marrow might be struggling
think ineffective erythropoiesis of hypoproliferation
what would be the lab findings in iron deficiency anemia
- Decreased ferritin, increased TIBC, Decreased serum iron
Lab findings
*hypochromic
*microcytic
*High RDW (anisocytosis)
symptoms of iron deficiency?
- fatigue
- pallor
- atrophic glossitis
- pica (eating dirt or ice)
- koilonychia (spooned nails)
- brittle nails
- restless legs
- cheilosis (cracking, crusting around the mouth)
what are some causes of iron deficiency?
- blood loss (GI bleed secondary to PUD or NSAID use or cancer)
- pregnancy and lactaton
- malabsorption (celiac, h. pylori, bariatric surgery, PPI
- poor nutritional intake
diminished or absen synthesis of globin chains (alpha or beta)
Thalassemia
what labs would you expect in thalassemia?
- hypochromia
- smear: target cells- could have basophilic stippling
- normal iron studies or high serum iron and ferritin
how do you diagnosise thalassemia?
how do you treat thalassemia?
Hgb electrophoresis
transfusions (RBC transfusion every 3-4 weeks, chelation of their iron)
stem cell transplant is curative, but morbid
due to deficient alpha chain synthesis (excess beta chains)
alpha thalassemia
Due to a deficiency of beta chains (excess of alpha chains)
beta thalassemia
what is beta thalassemia major? what are the symptoms
a severe transfusion dependent childhood disease, seen in the first year of life
sx: Pallor, jaundice and dark urine, hemolysis, irritability, anemia, abdominal swelling from hepatosplenomegaly
what is beta thalassemia minor?
mild anemia- but child is able to live full life