Lakhasly

Anemia, defined by reduced red blood cell (RBC) mass (hematocrit <41% or Hb <13.5 g/dL in men; <36% or Hb <12 g/dL in women), presents with symptoms like fatigue and dyspnea, and signs including pallor and tachycardia. Diagnosis involves history taking, complete blood count (CBC) with reticulocyte index (RI), peripheral smear analysis, and further tests based on findings. RI >2% indicates adequate marrow response. Iron deficiency anemia, characterized by microcytosis, results from chronic bleeding, decreased iron supply, or increased demand. Diagnosis relies on low iron, high TIBC, low ferritin, and low transferrin saturation. Treatment involves oral or IV iron. Hemolytic anemia, caused by shortened RBC lifespan, shows increased reticulocytes, bilirubin, and LDH, with a normal MCV. The Coombs test aids diagnosis. Thalassemias involve reduced globin chain synthesis, leading to hemolysis and anemia. Diagnosis utilizes Hb electrophoresis and PCR. Treatment includes folate, transfusions, iron chelation, and potentially splenectomy. Lead poisoning anemia, inhibiting heme synthesis, presents with microcytic RBCs and basophilic stippling. Treatment focuses on lead removal and chelation. Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies cause macrocytic anemia, with respective deficiencies diagnosed via serum and red cell folate levels, and vitamin B12 levels. Treatment involves supplementation. Anemia of chronic disease shows normal or decreased MCV and often involves iron trapping. Treatment addresses the underlying disorder. Aplastic anemia, due to bone marrow failure, presents with pancytopenia and is treated by removing the causative agent, transfusions, and immunosuppressants or bone marrow transplant.

Anemia
↓ in RBC mass: Hematocrit