Anemia Overview and Types

What is the hemoglobin threshold for diagnosing anaemia in non-pregnant women over the age of 15?

Which of the following best defines anaemia according to the World Health Organization?

Which morphological findings are primarily associated with iron deficiency anaemia?

What additional condition might be associated with macrocytic red blood cells aside from iron deficiency?

Which of the following would NOT be a valid differential diagnosis for anaemias with large red blood cells?

Anemia Recap

Anemia is defined as a low hemoglobin concentration.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anemia as:
- Hemoglobin below 130g/L in men over 15 years old
- Hemoglobin below 120g/L in non-pregnant women over 15 years old
- Hemoglobin below 110g/L in pregnant women
Reference ranges (RR):
- Men: 150 ± 20g/L
- Women: 135 ± 15g/L

Learning Objectives

Define anemia
Propose differential diagnoses for anemia related to red blood cell size
Recognize the key morphological findings of iron deficiency and cobalamin/folate deficiency anemias

Types of Anemia

Anemia is categorized by mean corpuscular volume (MCV):
- Low MCV (<83 fL): Iron deficiency, inflammation, sideroblastic anemia, hyperthyroidism, hemoglobinopathy, copper deficiency
- Normal MCV (83-101 fL): Inflammation, early cobalamin/folate/iron deficiency, bleeding/haemorrhage, copper deficiency
- High MCV (>101 fL): Hemolysis, cobalamin/folate deficiency, drugs (DNA synthesis), alcohol, liver disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, copper deficiency

Morphology

Microcytic picture: Characterized by small red blood cells.
Macrocytic picture: Characterized by large red blood cells.

Summary

Anemia is a sign, not a disease.
Causes of anemia are multifaceted.
Blood cell morphology is a crucial first step in diagnosis.
Various tests are needed for a definitive diagnosis.

This quiz covers the definition of anemia, the criteria set by the WHO for identifying it in different populations, and the differentiation between various types of anemia based on mean corpuscular volume (MCV). You'll learn about key morphological findings related to iron deficiency and cobalamin/folate deficiency. Prepare to test your understanding of anemia's diagnostic criteria and classifications.