Copstead-Kirkhorn: Pathophysiology, 4

th
Edition
Disease Profiles
Anemia
DEFINII!N
A group of disorders characterized by a deficit of red blood cells.
EI!"!#$
Determining the etiology is based on the history, differential signs and symptoms, and
laboratory studies. Differentiating features of the major anemias include the following:
Aplastic anemia: History of toxic or radiation injury to bone marrow, accompanying
leukopenia and thrombocytopenia red cells are normocytic and normochromic.
Chronic renal failure: History of renal disease decreased erythropoietin le!el red
cells are normocytic and normochromic.
B12 and folate deficiency: History of poor intake or gastrointestinal disease
accompanying neurologic dysfunction red cells are megaloblastic "macrocytic#.
Iron deficiency: History of poor intake or chronic blood loss decreased serum
ferritin and iron le!els red cells are microcytic and hypochromic.
Hemolytic: History of A$% or &h incompatibility or of drug exposure increased
bilirubin, jaundice, and positi!e direct antiglobulin red cells are normocytic and
normochromic.
Acute blood loss: History of trauma, surgery, or known bleeding accompanying
manifestations of !olume depletion red cells are normal.
Inherited disorders "thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, spherocytosis, '()D
deficiency#: )redispose red cells to early destruction because of abnormalities in
hemoglobin structure, cell shape, membrane structure, or energy production
manifestations of hemolysis "e.g., bilirubin, jaundice# are often present.
Other causes: *nclude red cell damage "mechanical de!ices#, infectious agents
"malaria#, physical agents "burns#, !enom "insects, spiders, and snakes#, and
hypersplenism.
PA%!#ENE&I&
+he general effects of anemia are due to tissue hypoxia and efforts to
compensate for low oxygen,carrying capacity.
C"INICA" 'ANIFE&AI!N&
-asoconstriction, pallor, tachypnea, tachycardia, dyspnea, ischemic pain, lethargy,
and lightheadedness may be present. .igns and symptoms specific to the cause may
be present.
(EA'EN I'P"ICAI!N&
'eneral treatment is aimed at remo!ing the cause, restoring oxygen,carrying capacity,
and pre!enting the complications of ischemia and hemolysis
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Disease )rofiles
.
KE$ )*E&I!N&
5hat are the general effects of anemia on body systems6
How do history, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings differ among the
anemias6
/lse!ier items and deri!ed items 0 1232, 1224 by .aunders, an imprint of /lse!ier *nc.
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