Anemia Overview and Microcytic Types

Study Notes

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Anemia as a hemoglobin level less than 13g/dl in men and less than 12g/dl in women.
It can be assessed through Hemoglobin levels and hematocrit levels.
Hemoglobin levels are more useful than hematocrit levels as they are measured directly.

Most often recognized by abnormal laboratory tests.
Acute anemia is often due to blood loss or hemolysis.
Anemia can cause fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, pain, and low blood pressure.
Severe anemia can lead to depletion of blood.

May demonstrate a forceful heartbeat, strong peripheral pulses, and a systolic “flow” murmur.
The skin and mucous membranes may be pale.

Iron Deficiency:
- Microcytic hypochromic RBCs
- Target cells
Thalassemia:
- Microcytic hypochromic RBCs
- Target cells
- Basophilic stippling
- Howell-Jolly bodies
Sideroblastic Anemia:
- Ring sideroblasts

Red cell transfusion is reserved for individuals with symptoms of anemia, cardiovascular instability, and continued and excessive blood loss.
Oral iron therapy is usually adequate for asymptomatic patients with established iron-deficiency anemia and an intact gastrointestinal tract.
200 mg of elemental iron per day is typically given, as three or four iron tablets, each containing 50–65 mg elemental iron.
Iron preparations should be taken on an empty stomach.
Oral iron therapy should continue for 6–12 months after correction of the anemia to achieve sufficient iron stores (at least 0.5–1 g of iron).