Anemia

Anemia is low hemoglobin.

There is a long list of causes for anemia. Usually, anemia is grouped by RBC cell size, mean corpuscular volume (MCV).

Classifications

Anemia

Macrocytic anemia (MCV>100 fl)

Normocytic anemia (MCV 80–100 fl)

Microcytic anemia (MCV<80 fl)

Microcytic anemia

Mnemonic TAILS:

• Thalassemia.
• Anemia of chronic diesease.
• Iron deficiency anemia.
• Lead toxicity.
• Sideroblastic anemia.

Macrocytic anemia

Mnemonic Few Big RBCs May Lead To Palor:

• Folate deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Rx.
• Myelodysplastic syndromes.
• Liver disease (cirrhosis).
• Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism).
• Post-splenectomy.

Specific types of anemia

Pernicious anemia

Main article: Pernicious anemia

Sickle cell anemia

Main article: Sickle cell anemia