What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of iron deficiency anemia?
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Different types of anemia (iron deficiency, megaloblastic, hemolytic, aplastic) with pathophysiology, clinical signs, and diagnosis.
This deck enables learners to accurately identify various anemia types based on clinical presentation and laboratory findings, facilitating prompt diagnosis and appropriate management in clinical practice.
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| # | Front | Back | Hint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of iron deficiency anemia? | It results from inadequate iron availability for hemoglobin synthesis, leading to decreased hemoglobin production and microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells. | Think 'Iron = Hemoglobin' building block |
| 2 | Which laboratory findings are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia? | Low serum ferritin, decreased serum iron, increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), low hemoglobin, microcytic hypochromic RBCs. | Ferritin reflects iron stores |
| 3 | What are common clinical signs of iron deficiency anemia? | Pallor, fatigue, glossitis, koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails), and pica. | Think 'Pale, Fatigued, Pica' |
| 4 | What is the hallmark of megaloblastic anemia on a peripheral blood smear? | Presence of macrocytic (large) RBCs with hypersegmented neutrophils. | Mega = large cells |
| 5 | Which deficiencies cause megaloblastic anemia? | Vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency. | Both are essential for DNA synthesis |
| 6 | What are common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency leading to megaloblastic anemia? | Pernicious anemia (autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells), malabsorption (e.g., Crohn's disease), vegan diet, gastric surgery. | B12 absorption requires intrinsic factor |
| 7 | What are typical clinical features of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia? | Paresthesias, glossitis, ataxia, and cognitive disturbances. | B12 affects nervous system |
| 8 | How does hemolytic anemia differ from other anemia types in laboratory findings? | It shows increased reticulocyte count, elevated LDH, indirect hyperbilirubinemia, decreased haptoglobin, and possible schistocytes on blood smear. | Hemolysis destroys RBCs prematurely |
| 9 | What is the common mechanism of hemolytic anemia? | Premature destruction of RBCs due to intrinsic defects (membrane, enzyme deficiencies, hemoglobinopathies) or extrinsic factors (autoimmune, drugs, mechanical). | Hemolysis = RBC destruction |
| 10 | What are the features of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)? | Presence of positive direct Coombs test, spherocytes on blood smear, and anemia with reticulocytosis. | Autoantibodies target RBCs |
| 11 | Which laboratory test confirms autoimmune hemolytic anemia? | Direct Coombs (direct antiglobulin) test positive. | Coombs test detects antibodies on RBC surface |
| 12 | What characterizes aplastic anemia in laboratory studies? | Pancytopenia with hypocellular bone marrow on biopsy, normal or decreased RBC, WBC, and platelet counts. | Aplastic = 'no production' in marrow |
| 13 | What are common causes of aplastic anemia? | Idiopathic, exposure to chemicals (benzene), drugs (chloramphenicol), radiation, viral infections (hepatitis, EBV), and autoimmune processes. | Aplastic = marrow failure |
| 14 | How does the red blood cell size differ between iron deficiency and megaloblastic anemia? | Iron deficiency causes microcytic RBCs; megaloblastic causes macrocytic RBCs. | Size guides anemia type |
| 15 | What is the reticulocyte count in hemolytic anemia, and why? | Elevated reticulocyte count due to increased RBC production in response to hemolysis. | Reticulocytes are young RBCs |
| 16 | Which anemia types typically present with jaundice and splenomegaly? | Hemolytic anemias, due to increased bilirubin from hemolysis and extravascular RBC destruction in the spleen. | Hemolysis leads to bilirubin buildup |
| 17 | What is a key distinguishing feature of sickle cell anemia on blood smear? | Presence of sickled, crescent-shaped RBCs. | Sickled = abnormal shape |
| 18 | What laboratory finding confirms thalassemia trait or disease? | Elevated hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) in beta-thalassemia trait; microcytosis with normal or elevated RBC count. | HbA2 levels help differentiate iron deficiency from thalassemia |
| 19 | Why is serum ferritin a useful initial test in anemia diagnosis? | Ferritin reflects iron stores; low ferritin indicates iron deficiency, whereas normal or high ferritin suggests other causes or inflammation. | Ferritin = stored iron |
| 20 | What is the significance of reticulocyte count in anemia evaluation? | It indicates marrow response: high in hemolytic anemia, low in aplastic anemia or marrow suppression. | Reticulocytes = young RBCs |
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