Anemia Types Quiz

Most common type of anemia worldwide
Caused by inadequate iron intake, poor iron absorption, or chronic blood loss
Iron is essential for hemoglobin production
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness
Diagnosis: low hemoglobin and hematocrit, low serum iron, high total iron-binding capacity
Treatment: iron supplements, dietary changes, addressing underlying causes

Caused by deficiency of vitamins necessary for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production)
Types:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: impaired DNA synthesis, neurological symptoms
- Folate deficiency: impaired DNA synthesis, neural tube defects
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness
Diagnosis: low hemoglobin and hematocrit, low vitamin levels
Treatment: vitamin supplements, dietary changes

Caused by chronic inflammation, infection, or cancer
Cytokines suppress erythropoiesis and increase hepcidin production, reducing iron availability
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness
Diagnosis: low hemoglobin and hematocrit, elevated inflammatory markers
Treatment: manage underlying disease, blood transfusions if necessary

Treatment for severe anemia or acute blood loss
Types:
- Packed red blood cells (PRBCs): concentrate of red blood cells
- Whole blood: contains all blood components
Complications: transfusion reactions, infections, volume overload
Indications: severe anemia, acute bleeding, surgery

Caused by defects in DNA synthesis or vitamin deficiencies
Characteristics: large red blood cells (macrocytes)
Types:
- Megaloblastic anemia: impaired DNA synthesis, large immature red blood cells
- Non-megaloblastic anemia: vitamin deficiencies or other causes
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness
Diagnosis: large red blood cells, low hemoglobin and hematocrit
Treatment: vitamin supplements, address underlying causes

Caused by premature destruction of red blood cells
Types:
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: immune system attacks red blood cells
- Inherited hemolytic anemia: genetic defects in red blood cell production
- Acquired hemolytic anemia: infection, toxins, or medications
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, jaundice
Diagnosis: low hemoglobin and hematocrit, elevated bilirubin, reticulocytosis
Treatment: address underlying causes, blood transfusions, immunosuppressive therapy

Most common type of anemia worldwide
Caused by inadequate iron intake, poor iron absorption, or chronic blood loss
Iron essential for hemoglobin production
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness
Diagnosis: low hemoglobin and hematocrit, low serum iron, high total iron-binding capacity
Treatment: iron supplements, dietary changes, addressing underlying causes

Caused by deficiency of vitamins necessary for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production)
Vitamin B12 deficiency: impaired DNA synthesis, neurological symptoms
Folate deficiency: impaired DNA synthesis, neural tube defects
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness
Diagnosis: low hemoglobin and hematocrit, low vitamin levels
Treatment: vitamin supplements, dietary changes

Caused by chronic inflammation, infection, or cancer
Cytokines suppress erythropoiesis, increase hepcidin production, reducing iron availability
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness
Diagnosis: low hemoglobin and hematocrit, elevated inflammatory markers
Treatment: manage underlying disease, blood transfusions if necessary

Caused by premature destruction of red blood cells
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: immune system attacks red blood cells
Inherited hemolytic anemia: genetic defects in red blood cell production
Acquired hemolytic anemia: infection, toxins, or medications
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, jaundice
Diagnosis: low hemoglobin and hematocrit, elevated bilirubin, reticulocytosis
Treatment: address underlying causes, blood transfusions, immunosuppressive therapy

Characterized by premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) leading to a decrease in RBC count and hemoglobin levels

Inherited disorders: sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis
Acquired disorders: autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), infections (e.g. malaria, babesiosis), mechanical trauma (e.g. heart valve problems), chemical or drug-induced hemolysis, lead poisoning

Increased RBC destruction: RBCs removed from circulation by spleen and liver, broken down, and bilirubin released
Compensatory mechanisms: increased erythropoietin production, increased RBC production in bone marrow

Supportive care: blood transfusions, folic acid supplementation
Treatment of underlying cause: medications for AIHA or other acquired disorders, splenectomy in some cases, bone marrow transplantation in severe cases