Overview of Anaemia

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the topic of anaemia, based on the lecture notes provided.

Anaemia

A reduction in hemoglobin concentration in the peripheral blood below the reference range for age and sex.

Haemoglobin

The protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.

Mild Anaemia

Haemoglobin from lower limit of normal to 10.0 g/dl.

Moderate Anaemia

Haemoglobin between 10.0 g/dl and 7.0 g/dl.

Severe Anaemia

Haemoglobin less than 7.0 g/dl.

Microcytic Anaemia

Anaemia characterized by smaller than normal red blood cells.

Normocytic Anaemia

Anaemia with normal-sized red blood cells.

Macrocytic Anaemia

Anaemia characterized by larger than normal red blood cells.

Reticulocytes

Juvenile red blood cells with remnant RNA used to assess erythropoietic activity.

Rule of 3

A mathematical check used by clinicians: Red cell count x 3 = Haemoglobin g/dl.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Anaemia resulting from a shortage of iron, often leading to microcytic and hypochromic red blood cells.

Aplastic Anaemia

Anaemia due to failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate amounts of blood cells.

Sideroblastic Anaemia

A type of anaemia characterized by the presence of ringed sideroblasts in the bone marrow.

Haemolytic Anaemia

Anaemia resulting from the destruction of red blood cells.

Erythropoietin

A hormone secreted by the kidneys that promotes the formation of red blood cells.

Hydroxyurea

A drug sometimes used in the treatment of certain types of anaemia.

Folate

A B vitamin important in the production of red blood cells.

Vitamin B12

A vitamin essential for the proper formation of red blood cells and neurological function.