Anemia

Abdum Muneeb
202020
Learning objectives

In this presentation we will discuss

• What is anemia
• Etiology of anemia
• Clinical features
• General physical examination of anemia
Definition

Anemia is a blood disorder in which hb

concentration of blood is below the normal
range for the age and sex of the subject.
Etiology

1. Decreased production of RBCs

• Low erythropoietin
• Decrease response to erythropoietin
• Iron def
• Vit B12 def
• Folate def
• Aplastic anemia
2. Increased RBCs loss
• Hemorrhage
• Acute
• Chronic
• Hemolysis
Clinical Features

• Skin & mucous membrane: Pale skin, pale buccal mucosa, lips,
conjunctiva & palm
• CVS: Decreased RBC > low oxygen > increased tissue demand >
tachycardia > angina > cardiac failure
• Respiration: Breathlessness, increased rate & force of breathing
• CNS: Headache, lack of concentration, insomnia & vertigo
• Musculoskeletal: Weakness, easy fatigability
• Reproductive: Amenorrhea
General Physical Examination

• Appearance/Habitus
• Underdevelopment
• Chronic illness
• Weight loss
• Skin and Mucus membranes
• Pallor (Palmar skin creases, Nail bed)
• Depigmentation
• Glossitis
• Cheilitis
Continued

• Conjunctiva and Sclera

• Nails
• Koilonychia
• Lymph Nodes examination
• Hepatomegaly
• Splenomegaly
References

• Mcleod’s Clinical Examination 14th Edition

• https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/198475-clinica
l#b3
• https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Anemia_physical_e
xamination