Anaemia: A review and an approach to diagnosis and management

Anaemia: A review and an approach to diagnosis and management

Anaemia: A review and an approach to diagnosis and management Dr Fatia Al-Qurashi

Download the original hi-res article here

This article also can be found in the February 2018 edition of the BIDA Journal.  The February 2018 edition and all editions can be found on our BIDA Journal page.

Abstract:

Anaemia is a global health problem affecting both developed and developing countries. It is a common problem frequently encountered in family medicine and investigated by general practitioners.

The aim of this article is to review the pathogenesis of anemia and understand the different factors that play crucial role in erythropoiesis.

By the end of this article you should be able to classify anemia according to size (MCV) or proliferation (reticulocyte count) and apply this knowledge in your daily practice. You would know how to manage patients with anemia and decide when to refer them to secondary care

Introduction:

Anaemia, as defined by WHO, is a haemoglobin level of less than 130 g/l in men, less than 120 g/l in non-pregnant women and children older than 5 years old and <110 g/l in pregnant women and younger children. It makes up to at least one third of GP referrals to the haematology service in England