quick memorization for pahto exam 2

causes of anemia

• ↓ Production of red blood cells

  • low iron, Folate/B9, B12

• Blood loss

• ↑ Destruction of red blood cells

  • hemolytic anemias (sickle cell, thalassemias, etc.)

MCV

average volume of a RBC (size)

determines Microcytic, Normocytic, or Macrocytic

MCHC

concentration of Hb in RBC (color)

determines Hypochromic, Normochromic or Hyperchromic

ANEMIA OF ACUTE BLOOD LOSS

from bleeding

• Trauma, peptic ulcer, hemorrhoids, GI bleed

low HCT (extra body fluid moves into the blood to compensate = more diluted)

Normocytic, Normochromic

ANEMIA OF CHRONIC BLOOD LOSS

more blood being lost than can be made 

Iron reserves become depleted=iron deficiency

Microcytic hypochromic

Microcytic Hypochromic Anemias

2 causes

1. iron deficency

2. chronic blood loss

Iron Deficiency Anemia

S/S: Fatigue, Koilonychia (curved nailbeds), angular cheilitis/stomatitis (permanent frown)

Tongue pale, shiny & smooth

PICA

What to look for in Iron deficency Anemia

• ↓ RBCs, Hb, Hct, Ferritin, Iron

• ↑ TIBC (more transferrin available to bind iron)

MACROCYTIC, NORMOCHROMIC ANEMIAS

2 causes

AKA MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA

1. B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency

2. B9 (Folate) deficiency

bc…Megaloblasts in BM become → Macrocytic RBCs (large abnormal red blood cells)

B12 Deficiency Causes

• Diet: vegetarian

• Malabsorption: Celiac, IBD

• Meds: Metformin

• ↓ Intrinsic Factor → Pernicious anemia
  • Causes: gastritis, antibodies, gastric bypass

B12 Deficiency Anemia

• S/S: red beefy tongue, CNS issues

• Dx: CBC, B12, IF, homocysteine, gastric biopsy

FOLATE DEFICIENCY ANEMIA (B9)

same as B12 except…

NO Neurologic Changes

NO Beefy Red Tongue