Question

African American male, 5 years old; DOB: 5/4, birthweight 5 lbs 2 oz at 38 weeks’ gestation. Chief compliant: Mother relates that child has poor appetite; appears more tired than usual; and has some difficulty in kindergarten. When askes, describes behavior issues and “acting out.” Past Med Hx: Frequent upper respiratory infections; multiple ear infections.

1. The patient was diagnosed with hypochromic microcytic anemia, most likely secondary to iron deficiency. Define the terms hypochromic and microcytic. How are they related to his medical diagnosis?

2. What are signs and symptoms in the patient’s history that are consistent with this diagnosis?

Answer 1

1. Hypochromic

Hypo-less

Chromic- colour

It is the red blood cells have less coloured than normal blood cells.

Micro - small

Cytic- cell

RBC cell size is smaller than normal red blood cell.

Due to iron deficiency from the food, body has to take stored iron. Leads to tiredness. Since the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cell is poor due to reduced pigment .

2. Microcytic hypochromic anemia is due to iron deficiency . Since child has less appetite ,the chances are more to develop. He is showing tiredness which is a main clinical manifestation. Patient may prone to infections frequently , because iron deficiency anemia may compromise body's immune system