Anemia

Anemia

Definition: Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin in the blood.

Symptoms:

• Oxygen transport disorder: The body lacks oxygen, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and pale skin.

• Changes in red blood cell structure: Red blood cells can be deformed, easily broken, or have abnormal sizes.

• Manifestations of underlying diseases: Some types of anemia can be symptoms of other diseases, such as cancer or infection.

Mechanism: Anemia occurs due to an imbalance between red blood cell production and destruction.

Life Cycle of Red Blood Cells:

• Production in the bone marrow: Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.

• Lifespan in the body 120 days: Red blood cells have an average lifespan of 120 days.

• Initiation of red blood cell destruction by phagocytes: After 120 days, old red blood cells are destroyed by phagocytes.

• Degradation process:

• Globin: Degraded into amino acids.

• Hem: Degraded into free bilirubin (250mg/day), not soluble in water.

• Free bilirubin – albumin complex: Free bilirubin binds to albumin, is taken up by the liver, and forms conjugated bilirubin by glucuronyl transferase.

• Conjugated bilirubin: Excreted through the kidneys as urobilinogen and through the intestines, transformed by bacteria, and excreted in feces.

Classification of Anemia:

• Blood loss anemia:

• Acute blood loss: Due to trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding… causing a sudden decrease in blood volume and red blood cells.

• Chronic blood loss: Due to hookworms, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia… causing a gradual decrease in blood volume and red blood cells.

• Hemolytic anemia: Red blood cells are destroyed earlier than normal.

• Intrinsic hemolysis:

• Red blood cell membrane defects: Hereditary spherocytosis (Minkowski Chauffard).

• Enzyme deficiency: G6PD deficiency.

• Hemoglobin synthesis disorders: Hemoglobinopathies.

• Extrinsic hemolysis: Due to antibodies, drugs, infections, toxins, trauma…

• Anemia due to decreased production: The bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells.

• Lack of red blood cell production materials: Lack of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid…

• Bone marrow diseases: Leukemia, myelofibrosis…

Characteristics of each type of anemia:

• Acute blood loss anemia:

• Sudden decrease in blood volume and red blood cells.

• Controlling blood loss, supplementing iron and nutrients helps red blood cells recover after 3-4 weeks.

• Chronic blood loss anemia:

• Gradual decrease in blood volume and red blood cells.

• Red blood cells are small, polymorphic, multicoloured, and of various sizes.

• Serum iron is decreased.

• Hemolytic anemia:

• Red blood cells are destroyed earlier than normal.

• Free hemoglobin in the blood is increased.

• Hemoglobinuria (hemoglobin in urine).

• Serum iron is increased.

• Free bilirubin is increased.

• Increased bilirubin metabolism leads to increased stercobilinogen, urobilinogen.

• Reticulocytes are increased.

• Anemia due to lack of red blood cell production materials:

• Bone marrow is normal but lacks materials to produce red blood cells.

• Lack of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid…

Treatment:

• Treating the cause: Addressing the underlying cause of the anemia.

• Iron supplementation: Supplementation with iron in cases of iron deficiency anemia.

• Supplementation with vitamin B12 and folic acid: Supplementation with vitamin B12 and folic acid in cases of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency anemia.

• Hemolysis treatment: Using medications to suppress hemolysis.

• Blood transfusion: Blood transfusion in cases of severe anemia.

Note:

• Anemia is a serious condition that can cause many complications.

• It is essential to see a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Source:

• Medical literature on anemia.

Note:

• This article only provides general information about anemia.

• Do not self-diagnose or treat anemia.

• Consult with a doctor for appropriate advice and treatment.