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Questions and Answers
What is a primary cause of inadequate iron supply in individuals with iron deficiency anemia?
What is a primary cause of inadequate iron supply in individuals with iron deficiency anemia?
Which statement about the absorption of iron is correct?
Which statement about the absorption of iron is correct?
Under which condition is parenteral iron treatment typically indicated?
Under which condition is parenteral iron treatment typically indicated?
What characterizes beta thalassemia major?
What characterizes beta thalassemia major?
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What factor does NOT influence the decision to transfuse packed red blood cells (RBCs) in patients with iron deficiency anemia?
What factor does NOT influence the decision to transfuse packed red blood cells (RBCs) in patients with iron deficiency anemia?
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What is the definition of anemia?
What is the definition of anemia?
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Which of the following is NOT a cause of anemia?
Which of the following is NOT a cause of anemia?
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Which symptom is typically associated with anemia?
Which symptom is typically associated with anemia?
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What is a characteristic feature of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
What is a characteristic feature of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
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Which type of anemia is primarily associated with vitamin deficiencies?
Which type of anemia is primarily associated with vitamin deficiencies?
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What is the normal hemoglobin level for men indicating that they do not have anemia?
What is the normal hemoglobin level for men indicating that they do not have anemia?
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What is a common sign of general symptoms associated with any type of anemia?
What is a common sign of general symptoms associated with any type of anemia?
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Which option represents a type of microcytic anemia?
Which option represents a type of microcytic anemia?
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Study Notes
Anemia
- Anemia is defined as a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin in the blood.
- Normal hemoglobin levels are 13.5g/dl or higher in men and 12g/dl or higher in women.
- Normal hematocrit levels are 41% or higher in men and 36% or higher in women.
Classification of Anemia
- Causes: Decreased production, blood loss, hemolysis
-
Red cell size:
-
Microcytic (MCV < 100 µ3):
- B12 or folate deficiency (megaloblastic)
- Non-megaloblastic but with macrocytes:
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver disease
- Bone marrow issues (myelodysplasia)
- Alcohol intake
-
Microcytic (MCV < 100 µ3):
General Symptoms of Anemia
- Pallor (mucous membranes, palmar creases)
- Palpitation (symptom)
- Tachycardia (sign - increased heart rate)
- Postural hypotension
Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia
-
Types:
- Iron deficiency
- Thalassemia
- Lead toxicity
- Sideroblastic anemia
- Anemia of chronic disease
- Differentiation: Requires Iron Studies
Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Global Impact: Affects 3% of toddlers (1-2 years old) and 2-5% of women of child-bearing age
- Most Common Microcytic Anemia: Represents 80% of microcytic anemia cases.
Features of Iron Deficiency Anemia
- General symptoms and signs of anemia
-
Specific Symptoms/Signs:
- Pica - craving of nonfood substances (e.g., dirt, clay, laundry starch)
- Glossitis - smooth tongue
- Angular stomatitis - cracking of corners of mouth
- Koilonychia - thin, brittle, spoon-shaped fingernails
Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Remember: Anemia is a symptom, not a disease - identify and treat the underlying cause
- Oral Iron: Ferrous salts are absorbed better than ferric salts. Absorption is enhanced by ascorbic acid, works best on an empty stomach, and should not be combined with antacids.
Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
-
Increased Iron Requirements:
- Blood loss (gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, blood donation)
- Pregnancy and lactation
-
Inadequate Iron Supply:
- Insufficient dietary iron intake
- Impaired iron absorption:
- Gastric surgery
- Intestinal malabsorption
- Celiac disease
Parenteral Iron: Indications & Agents
-
Indications:
- Malabsorption
- Rapid increase of stores
- High rate of blood loss
- Toxicity or non-compliance with oral iron
-
Agents Available:
- Iron dextran (total dose replacement; anaphylaxis risk – 1 in 300)
- Iron polysaccharide (maximum 125 mg/day; anaphylaxis risk ~ 1 in 1000)
Transfusion with Packed RBCs in Iron Deficiency Anemia
-
Indications: Depends on factors such as:
- Rate of blood loss
- Patient's age
- Surgery requirements
- Comorbidities
- Severity of symptoms
Thalassemia: Impaired Globin Gene Production
- Decreased production of normal globin chains:
- Alpha-thalassemia (α-thalassemia): Deficiency of α gene(s)
- Beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia): Deficiency of β gene(s)
Beta Thalassemia
- Genotype | Hgb (g/dl) | Syndrome
- -- | --- | --- β/β+ or β/β° | 10-13 | Minor (Trait) β+/β+ | 7-10 | Intermedia β+/β° or β°/β° | < 7 | Major (Cooleys)
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Description
This quiz explores the definition, classification, and symptoms of anemia, highlighting the main causes such as decreased production, blood loss, and hemolysis. Test your knowledge on different types of microcytic hypochromic anemia and their specific features.
