Anemia

Overview

Anemia is defined as a low hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Hemoglobin is a protien in our red cells that carry oxygen. Low hemoglobin means less capacity to carry oxygen. The normal range of Hb is 13.5-15.5g/dL in men and 11.5-13.5g/dL in women. Any count below the range is anemia.

Signs and Symptoms

Tiredness, Dizziness, Palpitations, Headache, Shortness of breath, Confusion, Poor concentration, Pallor of conjunctiva, Raised jugular venous pressure, Tachycardia, Postural hypotension, Angina

Common Causes

Acute blood loss due to trauma, Nutritional deficiency such as iron, folate and Vitamin B12, Bone marrow failure syndrome, Hereditary disease, Autoimmune disease such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Hypersplenism, Infection such as malaria, Sepsis, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Chronic hematuria

Risk Factors

Diet lacking of vitamin B12, folate and iron, Pregnancy, Age, Family history, Chronic diseases such as kidney failure, Intestinal disorders, Presence of autoimmune disease, Post chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Differential white count, Peripheral blood film, Electrophoresis, Serum iron level, Total iron binding capacity (TIBC), Clotting factors, Bone marrow test

Treatment and Prevention

Blood transfusion, Folic acid supplements, Iron supplements, Vitamin supplements, Splenectomy, Bone marrow transplantation