Red blood cell disorders and anemia

Anemia

too little hemoglobin or too few red blood cells — reduces oxygen delivery to body tissues

Aplastic anemia

bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells — may require a bone marrow transplant

Erythrocytosis

too many red blood cells

Erythropenia

too few red blood cells

Hemolytic anemia

anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells

Hemolytic disease of the newborn

maternal antibodies destroy the baby's red blood cells — the slides focus on an Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive baby

Hemolytic reaction

destruction of red blood cells after an incompatible blood transfusion

Hypochromic anemia

red blood cells contain too little hemoglobin — cells are paler and carry less oxygen

Iron-deficiency anemia

too little iron to make enough hemoglobin

Pernicious anemia

anemia caused by impaired vitamin B12 absorption

Polycythemia vera

disorder causing excess red blood cells — blood becomes thicker and flows less easily

Sickle cell anemia

inherited disorder causing sickle-shaped red blood cells — cells break down easily and can block small blood vessels

Thalassemia

inherited disorder causing reduced production of normal hemoglobin