Normocytic anaemia

Question 1

Normocytic anaemia differentials

Answer 1

Acute blood loss
Chronic disease
Cancer
Bone marrow failure
Haemolysis
Renal failure

Question 2

Causes of marrow infiltration

Answer 2

Mets - breast, prostate, lung, thyroid, renal
Myeloma
Myelofibrosis
Leukaemia and lymphoma

Question 3

Investigations

Answer 3

• Full blood count – low Hb, decreased WCC and platelets in marrow failure
• Blood film – normochromic
• Haematinics - low serum iron, ferritin normal or increased, reduced or normal TIBC, low transferrin
• RAISED CRP, ESR
• NORMAL B12 and NORMAL Folate
• TSH (may be raised)
• Tests for haemolysis