Podcast
Questions and Answers
What characterizes macrocytic anaemia?
What characterizes macrocytic anaemia?
- Red cells appear irregular shaped and fragmented
- Red cells are abnormally large (MCV > 95 fl) (correct)
- Red cells are extremely small (MCV < 80 fl)
- Red cells are of normal size (MCV between 80-95 fl)
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of macrocytic anaemia?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of macrocytic anaemia?
- Normal red cell distribution width (RDW) (correct)
- Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- Elevated red blood cell size compared to normal
- Presence of megaloblastic changes in the bone marrow
What is the minimal daily requirement of folic acid for individuals?
What is the minimal daily requirement of folic acid for individuals?
- 100-150 µg (correct)
- 50-100 µg
- 200-250 µg
- 150-200 µg
What is the minimum MCV value that indicates macrocytic anaemia?
What is the minimum MCV value that indicates macrocytic anaemia?
Where is folic acid primarily stored in the body?
Where is folic acid primarily stored in the body?
Which condition would NOT typically cause macrocytic anaemia?
Which condition would NOT typically cause macrocytic anaemia?
What is the approximate amount of folic acid stored in the liver?
What is the approximate amount of folic acid stored in the liver?
Which of the following is a common feature of megaloblastic anaemia?
Which of the following is a common feature of megaloblastic anaemia?
How long can the body's store of folic acid last if the intake is inadequate?
How long can the body's store of folic acid last if the intake is inadequate?
Which of the following is a common dietary source of folic acid?
Which of the following is a common dietary source of folic acid?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Overview of Macrocytic Anaemias
- Macrocytic anaemia is characterized by abnormally large red blood cells (MCV > 95 fl).
- More prevalent in individuals with blood group A.
Folic Acid
- Main dietary source of folic acid: green vegetables.
- Minimum daily requirement ranges from 100 to 150 µg.
- Liver stores about 10-12 mg of folic acid, adequate for approximately four months.
- Absorption occurs primarily in the duodenum and jejunum.
- Folic acid converts to tetrahydrofolate, which is vital for DNA synthesis.
Causes of Folic Acid Deficiency
- Nutritional deficiency and increased physiological demand.
- Increased demand can occur during:
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Prematurity
- Maternal folate or B12 deficiency can lead to neural tube defects, such as:
- Anencephaly
- Spina bifida
- Encephalocele
Hematological Findings
- Peripheral blood examination reveals:
- Oval macrocytes.
- Hypersegmented neutrophils, typically with six or more nuclear lobes.
- Intrinsic factor antibodies may be present in pernicious anaemia.
Treatment Approaches
- Treatment for folic acid deficiency includes oral folic acid supplementation.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency treatment often involves hydroxycobalamin intramuscular injections.
Other Causes of Red Cell Macrocytosis
- Macrocytosis can also be caused by:
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Neonates (newborns)
- Hemolysis
- Myxedema (severe hypothyroidism)
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
