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Basics of Anemia
Alteration in Erythrocytes
• Normal RBC count is 12- 18 g/dL
• Polycythemias- too many cells
• Anemias- too few cells
• Polycythemias and Anemias are r/t erythropoiesis that is directed by erythropoietin
(hormone released by kidney when low oxygen is sensed)
• RBC production (Erythropoiesis) is determined by
o Low oxygen
o Perfusion to the kidneys
o Amount of erythropoietin
• Important vitamins need to make RBCs
o Vitamin B12 and Folic acid
• Important for development of hemoglobin
o Iron
Anemia
• Reduction in the
o total # of erythrocytes circulating OR
o in the quality OR quantity of hemoglobin
• Causes
o Impaired RBC production
o Bleeding; acute or chronic
o Increased RBC destruction
â–ª Hereditary hemolysis (breakdown or RBC)
• Sickle cell trait or disease
â–ª Acquired hemolysis
• Immune mechanisms (blood transfusion reaction)
o Antibodies from donor’s blood attack recipient’s RBCs
• Infection
o Malaria, clostridial
• Drugs
o Quinidine, penicillin, methyldopa
• Liver or kidney disease
• Toxins
o Chemical, venoms
• Classifications
o Etiologic factor (cause)
o Size
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