Microcytic Anaemia

Question 1

causes of hypochromic microcytic anaemia

Answer 1

TAILS
thalassaemia
anaemia of chronic disease
iron deficiency
lead poisoning
pyridoxine responsive anaemias
congenital sideroblastic anaemia

Question 2

causes of lack of iron for erythropoiesis

Answer 2

iron deficiency

anaemia of chronic disease

Question 3

causes of problems with porphyrin synthesis

Answer 3

lead poisoning

pyridoxine responsive anaemias

Question 4

haem deficiency causes

Answer 4

iron deficiency
anaemia of chronic disease
lead poisoning
pyridoxine responsive anaemias
congenital sideroblastic anaemias

Question 5

globin deficiency causes

Answer 5

thalassaemia

Question 6

what conditions is ferritin normal in?

Answer 6

haemoglobinopathies

Question 7

what conditions is ferritin high?

Answer 7

anaemia of chronic disease

sideroblastic anaemia

Question 8

when is ferritin low?

Answer 8

iron deficiency

Question 9

management of microcytic anaemia

Answer 9

• Diet
• Ferrous fumarate, gluconate or sulphate 210mg tds. Expect iron to rise 10g/l per week.
• Ferrous edetate 5mls bd is liquid form and is only really used in the paediatric setting
• Contraception is menorrhagia related e.g. mirena coil
• Transfusions
• Tranexamic acid

Question 10

ways to improve compliance with taking iron?

Answer 10

symptom control (laxatives)
IV or blood transfusions instead

Question 11

presentation

Answer 11

tiredness
SOB
pallor
angular cheilitis