Pallor and weakness

The aim of this topic is to review the common causes and clinical consequences of anaemia.

Learning objectives:

At the completion of this topic you should be able to:

1. Describe the normal morphology and function of red blood cells.
2. Outline the ontogeny of erythrocytes from their bone marrow precursors and the factors that regulate this development.
3. Outline a basic classification of the causes of anaemia.
4. Discuss the common causes of microcytic hypochromic anaemia, in particular, the role of iron deficiency in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
5. List the common causes of iron deficiency anaemia and describe the consequences of such deficiency on both the bone marrow and mucosal tissues.
6. Describe the common haemoglobinopathies, especially thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia.
7. Outline the causes of haemolytic anaemia. In particular, contrast the intra- and extra-corpuscular causes of haemolysis. The clinical features and consequences of haemolytic anaemia should also be discussed.
8. Outline an appropriate sequence of investigations for a patient presenting with anaemia.

1. Outline the clinical features of iron deficiency anaemia. What are the common underlying causes?
2. Outline the causes and an appropriate sequence of investigations for macrocytic anaemia.

Case protocol associated with this topic - 31

Other relevant protocol - 39

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