ANEMIA

prepared By:Zamirah Basher Medical student

PU-RCSI Class of 2016

Define anemia…

Come from a Greek word which means lack bloodDeficiency of hemoglobin in the blood Male = less than 13.5 g/100mlFemale =less than12 g/100mlCan lead to hypoxiaAnemia is actually a sign of a disease process rather than a disease itself. It is usually classified as either chronic or acute. Chronic anemia occurs over a long period of time. Acute anemia occurs quickly

Lets go to the types…

microcytic anemiaIf the red blood cells are smaller than normal. The major causes of this type are iron deficiency (low level iron) anemia and thalassemia (inherited disorders of haemoglobin).

normocytic anemia

If the red blood cells size are normal in size (but low in number), anemia that accompanies chronic disease or anemia related to kidney disease. 

macrocytic anemia

If red blood cells are larger than normal. Major causes of this type are pernicious anemia (lacking of vitamin B12) and anemia related to alcoholism

Causes of anemia

• Genetic: Some forms of anaemia, such as thalassemia, can be inherited

• Blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods)

• Poor diet(lack of vitamin K, B12, and B6)• Pregnancy• Problems with bone marrow such as lymphoma,

leukaemia, or multiple myeloma• Problems with the immune system that cause the

destruction of blood cells (haemolytic anaemia)• Surgery to the stomach or intestines that reduces

the absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid

Future doctors take note :D• Pale skin• Rapid heart rate• Heart murmur• Some types of anaemia may cause other findings on

a physical exam.• Blood tests used to diagnose some common types

of anaemia may include:• Blood levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and

other vitamins and mineral

Pallor(deficiency of blood in the mucous membrane)

Koilonychia(spoon nail)

Angular stomatisis

Glossitis(inflamation of the tounge)

Treating anemia• Blood transfusions• Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress

the immune system• Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone

marrow make more blood cells• Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or

other vitamins and minerals

The end