3. DEFINITION
Anemia from the Greek word ( ναιμία)(an-haîma)
meaning "without blood", is a deficiency of red
blood cells (RBCs) and/or hemoglobin.
WHO definition: “ a condition in which the
haemoglobin content of blood is lower than normal
as a result of a deficiency of one or more essential
nutrients, regardless of the cause of such
deficiency.
Anaemia refers to a state in which the level of
haemoglobin in the blood is below the reference
range appropriate for age and sex. ( Davidsons
principle and practice of medicine) 3
4. OVERVIEW
According to WHO
Worldwide prevalence = over 30% of the world’s population are
anaemic, many due to iron deficiency.
In developing countries every second pregnant woman and about 40% of
preschool children are estimated to be anaemic.
40% in young children
50% of pregnant women and 35% of non-pregnant women affected
18% adult males
Prevalence of anemia in Nepal
Anemia affects 35% of all women (close to 48% of pregnant women)
However, Nepal demonstrated a huge reduction in anemia prevalence
among women between 2001 and 2006 ,Hookworm infestation may be a
particular driver of iron deficiency and anemia in Nepal, particularly in the
Terai, where one study found that 75% of pregnant women had
hookworms, 73% were anemic, and 88% of anemia cases were due to
iron deficiency (Dreyfuss et al. 2000).
Anemia among women and children still higher:- (35% in women 15-49
years and 46% 6-59 months children anemic (NDHS 2011)
4
6. CAUSE OF ANEMIA
Decreased or ineffective marrow production
• Lack of iron, vitamin B12 or folate
• Hypoplasia/myelodysplasia
• Invasion by malignant cells
• Renal failure
• Anaemia of chronic disease
Normal marrow production but increased removal
of cells
• Blood loss
• Haemolysis
• Hypersplenism
6
7. Diagnosis of anemia
Patient history
Dietary habits
Medication
Possible exposure to chemicals and/or toxins
Description and duration of symptoms
Tiredness
Muscle fatigue and weakness
Headache and vertigo (dizziness)
Dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing) from exertion
G I problems
Overt signs of blood loss such as hematuria (blood in urine) or
black stools 7
8. Diagnosis of anemia
Physical exam
General findings might include
Hepato or splenomegaly
Heart abnormalities
Skin pallor
Specific findings may help to establish
the underlying cause:
In vitamin B12 deficiency there may be signs
of malnutrition and neurological changes
In iron deficiency there may be severe pallor,
a smooth tongue, and esophageal webs
In hemolytic anemias there may be jaundice
due to the increased levels of bilirubin from
increased RBC destruction
8
12. IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Clinical Manifestations
Most common: pallor
Second most common: inflammation of the tongue
(glossistis)
Cheilitis=inflammation/fissures of lips
Sensitivity to cold
Weakness and fatigue
Diagnostic Studies
CBC
Iron studies Diagnostics:
Iron levels: Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), Serum
Ferritin.
Endoscopy/Colonscopy 12
17. MANAGEMENT
Collaborative Care
Treatment of underlying disease/problem
Replacing iron
Diet
Drug Therapy
Iron replacement
Oral iron
Feosol, DexFerrum, etc
Absorbed best in acidic environemtn
GI effects
Parenteral iron
IM or IV
Less desirable than PO
17
18. IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
MANAGEMENT
Diet counseling—foods rich in iron
Provide periods of rest
Supplemental iron
Discuss diagnostic studies
Iron therapy for 2-3 months after the hemoglobin
levels return to normal
18
21. Guidelines for oral iron and folate therapy to treat severe anaemia
Age Group Dose Duration
< 2 years 25 mg iron + 100-400μg folic acid daily 3 months
2-12 years 60 mg iron + 400μg folic acid daily 3 months
Adolescents and adults,
including pregnant
women
120 mg iron + 400μg folic acid daily 3 months
After completing 3 months of therapeutic supplementation, pregnant women and
infants should continue preventive supplementation regimen.
Children with Kwashiorkor or marasmus should be assumed to be severely anaemic.
However, oral iron supplementation should be delayed until the child regains
appetite and starts gaining weight, usually after 14 days
Source: Rebecca J. Stoltzfus and Michele L. Dreyfuss, Guidelines for the use of Iron
Supplements to Prevent and Treat Iron Deficiency Anaemia, INACG, WHO and UNICEF,
1998
21
23. FOOD FORTIFICATION
Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has also started
home fortification programs in Nepal with multiple
micronutrient powders (MNPs) under the World Health
Organization’s guidelines
This does not ask for a change in food habits as the
powders are sprinkled on the food that the children usually
eat.
This has also helped a timely initiation of complementary
food. This program has targeted children completing 6
months.
Simultaneously, the second anemia control plan 2012–
2016 is being formulated by MoHP addressing anemia
among all strata, particularly the most vulnerable ones like
children of 6-23 months young, children of 6-59 months,
adolescents, pregnant women's 23
24. MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIAS
Characterized by large RBCs
which are fragile and easily
destroyed
Common forms of
megaloblastic anemia
1. Cobalamin deficiency
2. Folic acid deficiency
24
This picture shows large, dense,
oversized, red blood cells (RBCs)
that are seen in megaloblastic
anemia.
25. COBALAMIN (VITAMIN B12) DEFICIENCY
Cobalamin Deficiency--formerly known as
pernicious anemia
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important water-
soluble vitamin.
Intrinsic factor (IF) is required for cobalamin
absorption
Causes of cobalamin deficiency
Gastric mucosa not secreting IF
GI surgery loss of IF-secreting gastric mucosal cells
Long-term use of H2-histamine receptor blockers
cause atrophy or loss of gastric mucosa.
Nutritional deficiency
Hereditary defects of cobalamine utilization
25
26. COBALAMIN (VITAMIN B12) DEFICIENCY
Clinical manifestations
General symptoms of anemia
Sore tongue
Anorexia
Weakness
Parathesias of the feet and hands
Altered thought processes
Confusion dementia
26
27. COBALAMIN DEFICIENCY
DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES
RBCs appear large
Abnormal shapes
Structure contributes to erythrocyte destruction
Schilling Test: a medical investigation used for
patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. The purpose
of the test is to determine if the patient has
pernicious anemia.
27
28. COBALAMIN DEFICIENCY
Collaborative Care
Parenteral administration of cobalamin
↑ Dietary cobalamin does not correct the anemia
Still important to emphasize adequate dietary intake
Intranasal form of cyanocobalamin (Nascobal) is
available
High dose oral cobalamin and SL cobalamin can use be
used
28
29. FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY
Folic Acid Deficiency also causes megablastic
anemia (RBCs that are large and fewer in number)
Folic Acid required for RBC formation and maturation
Causes
Poor dietary intake
Malabsorption syndromes
Drugs that inhibit absorption
Alcohol abuse
Hemodialysis
29
30. FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY
Clinical manifestations are similar to those of
cobalamin deficiency
Insidious onset: progress slowly
Absence of neurologic problems
Treated by folate replacement therapy
Encourage patient to eat foods with large amounts
of folic acid
Leafy green vegetables
Liver
Mushrooms
Oatmeal
Peanut butter
Red beans 30
31. THALASSEMIA
Etiology
Autosomal recessive genetic disorder of inadequate
production of normal hemoglobin
Found in Mediterranean ethnic groups
Clinical Manifestations
Asymptomatic major retardation life
threatening
Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly
No specific drug or diet are effective in treating
thalassemia
Thalassemia minor
Body adapts to ↓ Hb
Thalassemia major
Blood transfusions with IV deferoxamine (used to
remove excess iron from the body)
31
32. ANEMIA OF CHRONIC DISEASE
Underproduction of RBCs, shortening of RBC survival
2nd most common cause of anemia (after iron deficiency
anemia
Generally develops after 1-2 months of sustained
disease
Causes
Impaired renal function
Chronic, inflammatory, infectious or malignant
disease
Chronic liver disease
Folic acid deficiencies
Splenomegaly
Hepatitis 32
33. APLASTIC ANEMIA
Characterized by Pancytopenia
↓ of all blood cell types
RBCs
White blood cells (WBCs)
Platelets
Hypocellular bone marrow
Etiology
Congenital
Chromosomal alterations
Acquired
Results from exposure to ionizing radiation, chemical
agents, viral and bacterial infections
33
34. APLASTIC ANEMIAEtiology
Low incidence - Affecting 4 of every 1 million persons
Manageable with erythropoietin or blood transfusion
Can be a critical condition
Hemorrhage
Sepsis
Clinical Manifestations
Gradual development
Symptoms caused by suppression of any or all bone marrow
elements
General manifestations of anemia
Fatigue/ Dyspnea, Pale skin
Frequent or prolonged infections
Unexplained or easy bruising
Nosebleed and bleeding gums
Prolonged bleeding from cuts
Dizziness headache
34
36. ANEMIA CAUSED BY BLOOD LOSS
Acute Blood Loss
Chronic Blood Loss
36
37. ACUTE BLOOD LOSS
Result of sudden hemorrhage
Trauma, surgery, vascular disruption
Collaborative Care
1. Replacing blood volume
2. Identifying source of hemorrhage
3. Stopping blood loss
Chronic Blood Loss
Sources/Symptoms
Similar to iron deficiency anemia
GI bleeding, hemorrhoids, menstrual blood loss
Diagnostic Studies
Identifying source
Stopping bleeding
Collaborative Care
Supplemental iron administration
37
41. ACQUIRED HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA
Causes
Medications
Infections
Manifestations
S/S of anemia
Complications
Accumulation of hemoglobin molecules can obstruct
renal tubules Tubular necrosis
Treatment
Eliminating the causative agent
41
42. SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
First described in Chicago in 1910 by James
Herrick as an inherited condition that results
in a decrease in the ability of red blood cells
to carry oxygen throughout the body
A serious condition in which red blood cells
can become sickle-shaped
Normal red blood cells are smooth and
round. They move easily through blood
vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the
body.
Sickle-shaped cells don’t move easily
through blood. They’re stiff and sticky and
tend to form clumps and get stuck in blood
vessels.
The clumps of sickle cell block blood flow in
the blood vessels that lead to the limbs and
organs. Blocked blood vessel can cause
pain, serious infection, and organ damage.
42
43. NORMAL AND SICKLE RED BLOOD CELLS
IN BLOOD VESSELS
43
Figure A shows normal red blood cells flowing freely in
a blood vessel. The inset image shows a cross-section
of a normal red blood cell with normal hemoglobin.
Figure B shows abnormal, sickled red blood cells clumping and
blocking the blood flow in a blood vessel. The inset image shows a
cross-section of a sickled red blood cell with abnormal strands of
hemoglobin.
Source from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Sca/SCA_WhatIs.html
44. Genetics
2 copies of the gene for
Hb (each parent)
HbS –
Recessive
S=Sickle
A=Normal
44
46. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Individual signs and symptoms
varies. Some have mild symptoms,
others have very severe symptoms
and may be hospitalized for treatment
Present at birth, many infants doesn’t
show signs until after 4 months of
age
Anemia: Fatigue (tiredness), pale
skin and nail beds, jaundice, and
shortness of breath
Pain (Sickle Cell Crisis): Sudden
episode of pain throughout the body.
Common sites: bones, lungs,
abdomen, and joints. Lack of blood
flow can cause pain and organ
damage. 46
47. Medical Complications
1. pain episodes
2. strokes
3. increased infections
4. leg ulcers
5. bone damage
6. yellow eyes or
jaundice
7. early gallstones
8. lung blockage
9. kidney damage and
loss of body water in urine
10. painful erections in men
(priapism)
11. blood blockage in the spleen
or liver (sequestration)
12. eye damage
13. low red blood cell counts
(anemia)
14. delayed growth 47
48. TREATMENT & PREVENTION
Taking the folic acid (folate) daily to help make new red
cells
Drinking plenty of water daily (8-10 glasses for adults)
Identify what can trigger the “Crisis” such as stress,
avoid extremes of heat and cold weather
Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
Eating healthy
Avoid dehydration
Exercise regularly
Get enough sleep and rest
Avoid alcohol and don’t smoke
Regular medical checkups and treatment are important
48
49. SIDEROBLASTIC ANEMIA
Sideroblastic anemias, a group of heterogeneous
disorders, produce a common defect-failure to use
iron in Hb synthesis, despite the availability of
adequate irons stores.
Disease that interfere with production of heme. May
be microcytic and hypochromic
49
51. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Non specific clinical effects,
Anorexia, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, pale skin
and mucous membrane and occasionally enlarged
lymph node
Heart and liver failure may developed from
excessive iron accumulation in these organs
causing angina, slight jaundice and
hepatosplenomegaly
Hereditary sideroblastic anemia is associated with
increased GI absorption of iron causing sign of
hemosiderosis.
51
55. REFERENCES
Advance text book on food & nutrition vol -2, Dr. M.
Swaminathan
Davidsons principle and practice of medicine 22nd
edition; Brian R. Walker, Nicki R. Colledge, Stuart
H. Ralston, Ian D. Penman
Hematologic System, Oncologic Disorders &
Anemias, Dr Ibrahreem Bashayreh, RN, PhD
Sickle cell anemia, Gregg Selke, Ph.D. 11/28/06
NDHS 2011
55
57. CLASSIFICATION
Anemias may be classified morphologically based on the average size of the cells and
the hemoglobin concentration into:
1. Normochromic, normocytic anemia (normal MCHC, normal MCV).These
include:
anemias of chronic disease
hemolytic anemias (those characterized by accelerated destruction of
RBC's)
anemia of acute hemorrhage
aplastic anemias (those characterized by disappearance of RBCs
precursors from the marrow)
2. Hypochromic, microcytic anemia (low MCHC, low MCV).These include:
iron deficiency anemia
thalassemias
anemia of chronic disease (rare cases)
3. Normochromic, macrocytic anemia (normal MCHC, high MCV).These include:
vitamin B12 deficiency
folate deficiency
57