Rx Note

Introduction Anemia is defined for patient care as a reduction in one or more of the major red blood cell measurements obtained as part of the complete blood count. Hemoglobin concentration To convert to mmol/L, the hemoglobin in g/dL can be multiplied by 0.62. Hematocrit Also called packed cell volume. Is the percentage of blood cell volume occupied by red blood cells. Red blood cell count A low hemolobin concentration and/or low hematocrit are the parameters most widely used to diagnose anemia. WHO criteria for anemia in adults are Females - Hemoglobin <12 g/dL or hematocrit <36% Males - Hemoglobin <13 g/dL or hematocrit < 39% NOTE: Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells. Symptoms Most patients with mild or early-stage anemia are asymptomatic. If anemia becomes severe and/or prolonged, the lack of oxygen in the blood can lead to classic symptoms of fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, headache, dizziness, anorexia and/or pallor . If sudden ...

Introduction Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide , accounting for approximately 50% of all cases. It is diagnosed when iron deficiency is accompanied by anaemia. Diagnostic lab findings: Complete blood count: Low red blood cell count (RBC), haemologbin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Serum ferritin: <30 ng/ml (the threshold is typically higher in patients with chronic inflammatory state). Iron panel: Decreased serum iron and increased TIBC (total iron binding capacity) resulting in a lower transferrin saturation. NOTE: Transferrin saturation (TSAT) is the ratio of serum iron to TIBC: (serum iron ÷ TIBC x 100). If not provided directly by a lab, it can be calculated manually. Normal values range from 25 to 45%. Dietary Iron Dietary iron exists in two primary forms: Heme iron - found in meat, poultry and seafood Non-heme iron - found in nuts, beans, vegetables and fortified grains, such as cereals. Heme iron is mo...