ANEMIA

Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin concentration is lower than normal; it reflects the presence of fewer than the normal number of erythrocytes within circulation as a result, the amount of oxygen delivered to body tissue is also diminished. Anemia is not a disease state but a sign of underlying disorder. It is by far the MOST COMMON HEMATOLOGIC CONDITION.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of anemia may include the following: y Fatigue y decreased energy y weakness y shortness of breath y lightheadedness y palpitations (feeling of the heart racing or beating irregularly) y looking pale Symptoms of severe anemia may include: y chest pain, angina, or heart attack y dizziness y fainting or passing out y rapid heart rate Some of the signs that may indicate anemia in an individual may include: y Change in stool color, including black and tarry stools (sticky and foul smelling), maroon-colored, or visibly bloody stools if the anemia is due to blood loss through the gastrointestinal tract. y rapid heart rate y low blood pressure y rapid breathing y pale or cold skin y yellow skin called jaundice if anemia is due to red blood cell breakdown y heart murmur y enlargement of the spleen with certain causes of anemia

CAUSES OF ANEMIA
Anemia is caused essentially through two basic pathways. Anemia is either caused: 1. by a decrease in production of red blood cell or hemoglobin, or 2. by a loss or destruction of blood CONDITIONS:

              

Anemia from active bleeding Iron deficiency anemia Anemia of chronic disease Anemia related to kidney disease Anemia related to pregnancy Anemia related to poor nutrition Pernicious Anemia Sickle cell anemia Thalassemia Alcoholism Bone marrow-related anemia Aplastic anemia Hemolytic anemia Anemia related to medications Other less common causes

IMPORTANT KEY IN DIAGNOSING PATIENT WITH ANEMIA

 ASSESSMENT- Health history, Physical examination, Nutritional assessment, Neurologic examination, Assessment of GI system

 LABORATORY TESTS OR EXAMINATIONSCBC, Serum Ferritin, Serum Iron, Hematocrit ,Total Iron Binding Capacity, Reticulocyte Count ,Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW),Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

PREVENTION
 Choose a vitamin-rich diet Choosing a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and nutrients, including: Iron. Iron-rich foods include beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables and dried fruit. Folate. This nutrient, and its synthetic form, folic acid, can be found in citrus fruits and juices, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified breads, cereals and pasta. Vitamin B-12. This vitamin is found naturally in meat and dairy products. It's also added to some cereals and soy products, such as soy milk. Vitamin C. Foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, melons and berries, help increase iron absorption. Consider genetic counseling if you have a family history of anemia If you have a family history of an inherited anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, talk to your doctor and possibly a genetic counselor about your risk and what risks you may pass on to your children

TREATMENTS
 BLOOD TRANSFUSION  BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT  CHEMOTHERAPY TO BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION  PLASMAPHERISIS  ADMINISTRATION OF OXYGEN 

MEDICATIONS
y

Iron Supplements .It is important to determine the cause of iron deficiency and treat it properly. Vitamin supplements may replace folate and vitamin B12 in people with poor eating habits. In people with pernicious anemia who are unable to absorb sufficient amounts of vitamin B12, monthly injections of vitamin B12 are commonly used to replete the vitamin B 12 levels and correct the anemia. epoetin alfa (Procrit or Epogen) injection can be used to increase red blood cell production in people with kidney problems. The production of erythropoietin is reduced in people with advanced kidney disease, as described earlier. Stopping a medication that may be the cause of anemia may also reverse anemia after consultation with a physician.