Anemia
Anemia
Anemia
DEFINITION
A condition in which the number of red blood cells or
their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to
meet physiologic needs, which vary by age, sex, altitude,
smoking, and pregnancy status.
(WHO)
PREVALENCE
Anemia is a major killer
WHO estimates that 42% of children less than 5 years of age and
40% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic
Age
Teenage pregnancy
Menstrual problems
Multiparity
GENERAL
Fatigue
Unusual rapid heart beat ,
particularly with exercise
Exertional dyspnea
Headache
Dizziness
Pale skin
Leg cramps
Insomnia
Lack of concentration
SYMPTOMS (SPECIFIC)
Increased destruction
(Hemolytic)
Normocytic
Based on Microcytic
morphology
Ane Macrocytic
mia
Anemia (based on
morphology)
Normochromic- Normochromic-
normocytic anemia macrocytic anemia
Normal MCV and normal MCHC High MCV and normal MCHC
Hypochromic-microcytic
anemia
Low MCV and low MCHC
Includes (iron deficiency anemia,
thalassemia's, anemia of chronic
diseases)
BASED ON CLINICAL PICTURE
Iron deficiency anemia
Megaloblastic anemia
Pernicious anemia
Hemorrhagic anemia
Hemolytic anemia
Thalassemia anemia
Aplastic anemia
Ane
Iron deficiency anemia
Excessive loss of iron, women are at risk (menstrual blood and fetus growth)
Megaloblastic anemia
Less intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid, Bone marrow produce abnormal
RBCs e.g. cancer drugs
Pernicious anemia
Inability to absorb vitamin B12
Hemorrhagic anemia
Excessive loss of RBCs through bleeding, stomach ulcers, menstruation
Hemolytic anemia
RBCs plasma ruptures due to parasites, toxins, antibodies
Thalassemia anemia
Less synthesis of hemoglobin (population of Mediterranean sea)
Sickle cell anemia
Hereditary blood disorders
Aplastic anemia
Destruction of red bone marrow; cause by gamma radiation, toxins
LAB INVESTIGATIONS
Red cells population is defined by;
Qualitative parameters
MCV
MCH
MCHC
Quantitative parameters
HCT
Hb
Red cell concentration per unit volume
Normal hemoglobin values
The increased amounts of iron required by pregnant or lactating women are
difficult to obtain through diet alone; thus, oral iron supplementation
generally is necessary
Desired outcomes
The ultimate goals of treatment in the anemic
patient are
To alleviate signs and symptoms
Correct the underlying etiology
Prevent recurrence of anemia
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Coffee and tea
Inhibit iron absorption when consumed with a meal or shortly after meal
Conti…
Vitamin C
Powerful enhancer of iron absorption from nonmeat meal when
consumed with a meal
Conti…
Iron rich foods
Spinach, dried fruits, kidney
beans, egg, red meat,
chocolate etc…
Injectable Human
iron recombinant
erythropoietin
Treatmentimp
Iron deficiency anemia
Oral iron therapy with soluble ferrous iron salts, which are
not enteric coated and not slow- or sustained-release, is
recommended at a daily dosage of 200 mg elemental iron in
two or three divided doses