Microcytic hypochromic anemia

Anisocytosis is the medical term for having red blood cells (RBCs) that are unequal in size. Normally, a person’s RBCs should all be roughly the same size. Anisocytosis is usually caused by another medical condition called anemia. It may also be caused other blood diseases or by certain drugs used to treat cancer. For this reason, the presence of anisocytosis is often helpful in diagnosing blood disorders like anemia. Treatment for anisocytosis depends on the cause. The condition isn’t dangerous on its own, but it does indicate an underlying problem with the RBCs. Depending on what is causing anisocytosis, the RBCs might be: • larger than normal ( • smaller than normal ( • both (some larger and some smaller than normal) The main symptoms of anisocytosis are those of anemia and other blood disorders: • weakness • fatigue • pale skin • shortness of breath Many of the symptoms are a result of a decrease in oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues and organs. Anisocytosis in turn is considered a symptom of many blood disorders. Anisocytosis is most commonly a result of another condition called There are several different types of anemia that can lead to unequally sized RBCs, including: • • • • • • Other disorders that can cause anisocytosis include: • • chronic liver disease • disorders of the thyroid In addition, certain drugs used to treat cancer, known as cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs, can result in anisocytosis. Anisocytosis may also be seen in those with cardiovascular diseas...

Continuing Education Activity Microcytic, hypochromic anemia, as the name suggests, is the type of anemia in which the circulating RBCs are smaller than the usual size of RBCs (microcytic) and have decreased red color (hypochromic). The most common cause of this type of anemia is decreased iron reserves of the body which may be due to multiple reasons. This may be due to decreased iron in the diet, poor absorption of iron from the gut, acute and chronic blood loss, increased demand for iron in certain situations like pregnancy or recovering from major trauma or surgery. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of Microcytic, hypochromic anemia and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the recognition and management of this condition. Objectives: • Describe the recommended management of microcytic, hypochromic anemia. • Outline the typical presentation for a patient with microcytic, hypochromic anemia. • Review the pathophysiology of microcytic, hypochromic anemia. • Explain the interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication regarding the management of patients with microcytic, hypochromic anemia. Introduction Anemia is defined as the reduction in circulating red-cell mass below normal levels. Anemia is a very common condition that is widespread in the human population. Circulating red blood cells (RBCs) contain a protein known as hemoglobin, that protein has four polypeptide chains and one heme ring that contai...

Microcytic Anemia Microcytic anemias are characterized by the production of RBCs that are smaller than normal due to decreased production of hemoglobin as a result of reduced iron availability, disorders of heme synthesis, or reduced globin production. From: Advances in Clinical Chemistry, 2018 Related terms: • Thalassemia • Alpha-Thalassemia • Hypochromic Anemia • Beta Thalassemia • Therapeutic Procedure • Erythrocyte • Patient A. The differential diagnosis of microcytic anemia includes iron deficiency, α- or β-thalassemia, hemoglobinopathy, lead poisoning, chronic inflammation, copper deficiency, and atransferrinemia. Presenting features to assess include bleeding, pallor, jaundice, and symptoms of chronic disease/inflammation (fever, pain). History should include a dietary history for symptoms of pica, ethnicity (thalassemia, hemoglobinopathy), history of jaundice or splenomegaly, and family history of jaundice. Age of patient is important because iron deficiency is common in children 6 to 36 months old and in adolescent girls who are menstruating and have suboptimal diets. Growth history and lead exposure are important. B. Physical examination includes vital signs, cardiovascular status (syncope, shortness of breath, decrease in exercise tolerance), growth (delayed growth with chronic disease), jaundice, splenomegaly, frontal bossing (thalassemia), and signs of systemic disease (infection, collagen vascular disease, malignancy). C. Laboratory evaluation should include ...