Classification of Anemia Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Which of these are the three general schemes of anemia classification?

Bone marrow responsiveness (correct)

Morphological classification via RBC size and Hgb concentration (correct)

Hemoglobin level measurement

Pathophysiological mechanism (correct)

What is morphological classification of anemia based on?

MCV and MCHC

What defines microcytic anemia?

Erythrocytes are small

What defines normocytic anemia?

RBC are normal volume Signup and view all the answers

What defines macrocytic anemia?

RBC are larger than the reference interval Signup and view all the answers

What is hypochromic anemia?

Cells contain less than normal hemoglobin concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is normochromic anemia?

Contains normal hemoglobin concentration Signup and view all the answers

Hyperchromic anemia occurs frequently.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can diagnostically cause hyperchromic anemia?

Intravascular hemolysis, Heinz bodies, lipemia Signup and view all the answers

What factors classify anemia based on bone marrow response?

Reticulocytes (B), Polychromatophils (C) Signup and view all the answers

If an animal is anemic for more than 5 days with no increase in reticulocytes, then the bone marrow is non-responsive and the anemia is ________________.

non-regenerative Signup and view all the answers

What indicates regenerative anemia?

Polychromatophils and larger RBC Signup and view all the answers

What defines non-regenerative anemia?

Not seeing large polychromatophils Signup and view all the answers

What can help determine if anemia is regenerative or non-regenerative when polychromatophils cannot be seen?

Reticulocyte concentration or corrected reticulocyte percent Signup and view all the answers

What are reticulocytes?

Young erythrocytes released in response to anemia Signup and view all the answers

Reticulocyte count is the __________________?

% of total RBC that are reticulocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is reticulocyte count used to determine?

Marrow response to anemia Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics define reticulocyte cells?

Typically polychromatophilic RBCs, visible with certain stains Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for dog reticulocytes to mature to a mature RBC?

24 - 48 hours Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for cat reticulocytes to mature to a mature RBC?

2-3 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame for evidence of a regenerative response after blood loss?

2-4 days Signup and view all the answers

When is the peak reticulocyte count reached?

5-7 days Signup and view all the answers

What are the relative reticulocyte concentrations in healthy animals?

0-60k in dogs/cats; 0 cells if no anemia in cattle, sheep, goats; equine do not release Signup and view all the answers

Would you use retic % or absolute number of retics for more value?

Absolute number of retics Signup and view all the answers

Reticulocytes should be _ the reference interval to definitely say the anemia is _________.

above; regenerative Signup and view all the answers

How does the assessment of regenerative response to anemia differ in equids?

Reticulocytes do not circulate in blood of non-anemic horses Signup and view all the answers

Polychromasia can be used as an indicator of regeneration in horses.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a regenerative response in horses?

Macrocytes, increased MCV, anisocytosis, erythroid hyperplasia in bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Classification of Anemia

Three classification schemes: morphological, bone marrow responsiveness, and pathophysiological mechanism.
Morphological classification focuses on RBC size and hemoglobin concentration.
Bone marrow responsiveness is assessed by reticulocyte presence.
Pathophysiological mechanism relates to the underlying disorder.

Morphological Classification of Anemia

Based solely on MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) and MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration).
Categories include:
- Microcytic anemia: small erythrocytes.
- Normocytic anemia: normal volume RBCs.
- Macrocytic anemia: larger than normal RBCs.
- Hypochromic anemia: low hemoglobin concentration in cells.
- Normochromic anemia: normal hemoglobin concentration.
- Hyperchromic anemia: does not occur physiologically; falsely increased MCHC.

Hyperchromic Anemia Causes

Can be caused by intravascular hemolysis, Heinz bodies, or lipemia.

Bone Marrow Response Classification

Anemia classification also involves bone marrow response assessment through polychromatophils and reticulocytes.
Non-regenerative anemia occurs with no increase in reticulocytes after 5 days of anemia.

Characteristics of Anemia Types

Regenerative anemia is indicated by the presence of polychromatophils and larger RBCs.
Non-regenerative anemia lacks large polychromatophils.

Reticulocytes Overview

Reticulocytes are young erythrocytes released in response to anemia caused by hemolysis or blood loss.
Reticulocyte count offers insight into marrow response to anemia.
Count reflects the percentage of total RBCs that are reticulocytes.

Reticulocyte Count Specifics

Used to gauge the marrow's response to anemia, particularly after blood loss.
Dogs' reticulocytes mature in 24-48 hours; cats have two types of reticulocytes with different maturation timelines (2-3 weeks).

Regenerative Response Timing

Evidence of regenerative response typically seen 2-4 days after acute anemia, peaking at 5-7 days.
Horses do not release reticulocytes in response to anemia.

Reticulocyte Concentration in Healthy Animals

Normal values are 0-60k in dogs/cats; no reticulocytes in normal cattle, sheep, goats, or llamas; equids do not show reticulocyte release.

Assessment Tips

Absolute number of reticulocytes provides more valuable information than percentage alone.
Reticulocyte counts must be above the reference interval to indicate anemia is regenerative.

Equine Considerations

In horses, reticulocytes are not released from the marrow during regenerative anemia.
Polychromasia is not a reliable indicator of regeneration in horses.
Signs of regenerative response in horses include macrocytes, increased MCV, anisocytosis, and erythroid hyperplasia in bone marrow.

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Description

This quiz covers the classification of anemia through various schemes, including morphological classification based on RBC size and hemoglobin concentration, bone marrow responsiveness, and pathophysiological mechanisms. Understand the different types of anemia, such as microcytic, macrocytic, and hypochromic anemia to enhance your knowledge in hematology.