Anemia Causes and Types

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of anemia in iron deficiency anemia?

Decreased production of globin chains

Inflammation and inhibition of iron release

Absolute iron deficiency leading to decreased RBC production (correct)

Inability to make DNA at a normal rate

What is the effect of chronic infections on iron availability in anemia of chronic disease?

Increased iron absorption from the gut

Increased release of iron from hepatic storage

Decreased production of hemoglobin

Inhibition of iron release from hepatic storage (correct)

What is the primary mechanism of action in thalassemia?

Inability to make DNA at a normal rate

Increased destruction of RBCs due to hemolysis

Decreased production of hemoglobin due to low iron levels

Decreased production of globin chains leading to decreased hemoglobin (correct)

What is the characteristic of RBCs in thalassemia?

Microcytic and hypochromic Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of folate deficiency on RBC production?

Decreased production of RBCs due to inability to make DNA at a normal rate Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible symptom of severe iron deficiency anemia?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of chronic bleeding on iron levels?

Decreased iron levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of RBCs in folate deficiency anemia?

Macrocytic and normochromic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a physical developmental delay in children associated with a certain type of anemia?

Groth retardation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of B-Thalassemia?

Pallor and tiredness Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of A-Thalassemia?

All types of hemoglobin are affected Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of iron studies in iron deficiency anemia?

Low ferritin, high transferrin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication of B-Thalassemia?

Heart failure due to anemia and iron overload Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of red blood cells in iron deficiency anemia?

Microcytic and hypochromic Signup and view all the answers

What is a pattern of inheritance associated with A-Thalassemia?

Autosomal recessive Signup and view all the answers

What is a common neurological symptom of B-Thalassemia?

Paresthesia and ataxia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Caused by absolute iron deficiency leading to decreased RBC production
Factors contributing to iron deficiency: decreased intake, absorption, or increased loss due to chronic bleeding
Characteristics of blood cells: microcytic and hypochromic
Effect on the body: mild (asymptomatic) to severe (fatigue, tachycardia, heart murmur, pallor, chest pain, and cognitive/physical developmental delay in children)

Anemia of Chronic Disease

Relative iron deficiency due to decreased ability to utilize iron
Caused by infections, cancers, or inflammatory conditions
Characteristics of blood cells: normocytic/normochromic or slightly microytic/hypochromic
Effect on the body: mild (asymptomatic) to severe (heart disease, angina, dyspnea, tachycardia, growth retardation, skull deformities, and splenomegaly)

Thalassemia

Decreased amount of globin chains leading to decreased hemoglobin production
Not due to RBC deficiency
Characteristics of blood cells: hypochromic/microcytic
Effect on the body: bone marrow expansion, splenomegaly, tachycardia, heart failure, and growth retardation
Inheritance pattern: inherited disorder of hemoglobin, seen in Africans, South Asians, and Mediterraneans (protects against malaria)

Folate Deficiency

Decreased ability to synthesize DNA due to lack of folate
Effect on RBC production: inability to divide normally, leading to macrocytic cells
Characteristics of blood cells: macrocytic, normochromic
Effect on the body: mild (pallor, tiredness, tachycardia) to severe (neural tube defects in pregnancy, demyelination of spinal cord and peripheral nerves)

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Decreased ability to synthesize DNA due to lack of B12
Effect on RBC production: inability to divide normally, leading to macrocytic cells
Characteristics of blood cells: macrocytic, normochromic
Effect on the body: mild (pallor, tiredness, tachycardia) to severe (neurological symptoms: demyelination, paresthesia, numbness, ataxia, and dementia)

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Description

This quiz covers the different types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, and thalassemia, as well as their causes and effects on the body. It also touches on the importance of folate and B12 in hemoglobin production.