Anemia is the decrease in the normal number of red blood cells, a decrease in hematocrit or a decrease in the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. It can also include the decrease in oxygen-binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule because of the deformity or lack in the development as in other hemoglobin deficiency.
Causes of Anemia
- Blood loss
- Increase in red blood cell destruction (hemolysis)
- Defective or insufficient hemoglobin
- Decrease in red blood cell production
Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
- Pallor in the mucous membrane
- Difficulty on exertion
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Dizziness
Pathophysiology of Anemia
With a decreased in red blood cell production a decrease in oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. It will lead to hypoxia, present with the signs and symptoms, And the client presents with chest pain.
Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)
Signs and Symptoms:
- Cheilosis – a fissure in the corners of the lips.
- Spoon-shaped nails
- Diarrhea
Management for Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Iron supplement
- Administration of Dextran, intramuscularly with z track technique or deep subcutaneous. (To prevent skin discoloration)
Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia
Also called as Megaloblastic anemia.
Signs and Symptoms:
Neurologic manifestation: Paresthesia and proprioception
Management for Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia:
Oral supplements
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia (Cyanocobalamin)
It is a macrocytic or megaloblastic anemia because of a decrease vitamin B12 diet.
The intrinsic factor in the stomach binds with the vitamin B12. An absence or decrease can be due to the resection of the stomach, resection of the ileum, or chronic gastritis.
Aplastic Anemia
Causes:
Use of Chloramphenicol, chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation, and substances like benzene and arsenic.
Pathophysiology of Aplastic Anemia
With the intake of the causes destruction of the bone marrow and are replaced by fats. This leads to fancytopenia that can lead to the decrease of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Management:
- Remove the cause
- Immunosuppressants – Cyclosporine
- Blood transfusion
Thalassemia
Hemoglobin is genetically tranmitted. A defective hemoglobin chain can cause Beta Thalassemia Minor, Beta Thalassemia Major and Intrauterine Fetal Death.
Anemia due to Blood Loss
Acute blood loss leads to decrease circulating blood volume and decrease in normocytic, hormochromic anemia. Chronic blood loss leads to microcytic, hypochromic anemia.
Diagnostic Exam for Anemia
- Complete Blood Count – Findings indicate a decrease hemoglobin, red blood cell, and hematocrit.
- Schilling’s test – To assess for pernicious anemia versus megaloblastic anemia.
- Peripheral blood smear
- Serum Ferritin Level – decreased; Serum Total Iron Binding Capacity – increased
