Anemia
Anemia Updated: 07/13/2024 © Jun Wang, MD, PhD General features Decrease in red cell mass Hemoglobin: Levels of hemoglobin in a specific volume of whole blood Hematocrit: Fraction of whole blood composed of red blood cells Red cell count: Quantity of red cell in a specific volume of whole blood Three major groups based on RBC sizes Microcytic Normocytic Macrocytic Three major causes Blood loss: acute or chronic Increased red cell destruction: hemolysis Reduced production: marrow failure due to genetic abnormality or nutritional deficiency Etiology Genetic abnormality Hemoglobinopathies RBC cytoskeletal abomorlities Enzyme abnormalities Fanconi anemia Nutritional deficiencies: iron, VB12, folate, general malnutrition Physical etiologies: trauma, burns, frostbite, prosthetic valves, etc Chronic diseases: chronic infections, neoplasia, autoimmune disorders, kidney or liver diseases, etc Infectious diseases: hepatitis, sepsis , malaria, e...