Question

Compare and contrast the causes and consequences and diagnostic indicators of microcytic and macrocytic anaemias. (Please could you answer the question in details) I've started it but I need to go in depth . Thanks

Microcytic anaemia occurs when the size of the RBC is small (the MCV is low <83fl), whereas macrocytic anaemia is when the size of the RBC is large (the MCV is high >101fl).

Microcytic anaemia usually results from processes that impair haemoglobin synthesis in the RBC, this defect is mainly due to iron deficiency. Also, thalassemia (reduced globin production) or sideroblastic anaemia chronic disease can cause microcytic anaemia.

Talk about iron deficiency…+ one line about thalassemia+ chronic disease

Macrocytic anaemias can be megaloblastic or non-megaloblastic, a distinction which can often be made on a blood film. The megaloblastic anaemias are due to deficiencies of folate or vitamin B12 and cause a failure of DNA synthesis and resultant impaired cell division.

Talk about b12 and folate deficiency… + one or two lines about non-megaloblastic

Answer 1

Iron deficiency

deficient diet,blood loss may be due to gastrointestinal,menstrual,increased requirements like in pregnancy,lactation,decreased absorption in celiac sprue,zinc def this caused iron deficiency anemia.

serum iron level increased,TIBC increased

#chronic disease

when serum iron level increased and TIBC decreased.

#thalasemia

serum iron level normal and TIBC normal.(total iron binding capacity)

#b12 deficiency

also called cobalamin deficiency

cause for b12 def are strict vegetarianism,gastric atrophy,malabsorbtion syndrome,congenital def.

#non megaloblastic

it includes liver disease,alcohol,drugs,aplastic anemia