anemia diagnosis. What is posthemorrhagic anemia and why does it occur. All about posthemorrhagic anemia

Anemia (grch.αναιμία-anemia) is a clinical and hematological syndrome, which is characterized by a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, with a decrease in the number of red blood cells.

Anemia: causes and development factors

The main causes of anemia include:

  • The nature of nutrition. With insufficient intake of iron-containing foods, iron deficiency anemia can develop, this is more common in populations where there is already a high level of nutritional anemia. Anemia can be caused by a diet deficient in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or vitamin C.
  • Violation of the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. As a rule, in this case, anemia develops, which is accompanied by kidney disease, protein depletion, endocrine insufficiency, chronic infections and oncological diseases.
  • Hemolysis. This is the destruction or shortening of the life span of red blood cells. Normally, erythrocytes live for 4 months, however, with some pathological processes, their lifespan can be significantly reduced. The main cause of hemolysis is a violation of the functions of red blood cells or their defect. In some cases, the cause of hemolysis is the pathology of the spleen.
  • Violation of the gastrointestinal tract (with violations of the absorption process). Since iron absorption occurs in the stomach and upper small intestine, in violation of the absorption process, the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, anemia develops.
  • Chronic blood loss(gastrointestinal bleeding, nosebleeds, hemoptysis, hematuria, uterine bleeding). Belongs to one of the most important causes of iron deficiency.

There are also degrees of anemia, depending on the level of hemoglobin in the blood:

  • mild degree (hemoglobin level is above 90 g/l);
  • average degree(hemoglobin level within 90-70 g/l);
  • severe (hemoglobin level is less than 70 g / l).

Symptoms of anemia: how the disease manifests itself

Symptoms of anemia vary depending on the type of anemia. Common symptoms of anemia include:

  • weakness, a significant decrease in performance;
  • fatigue, irritability, drowsiness for no apparent reason;
  • headaches, tinnitus, flashing "flies" before the eyes, dizziness;
  • dysuric disorders;
  • geophagy (irresistible desire to eat chalk or lime);
  • trophic disorders of hair, skin, nails;
  • pain in the region of the heart of the type of angina pectoris;
  • fainting, tinnitus;
  • muscle weakness, body aches.

In elderly patients with coronary heart disease, with anemia, there is an increase in angina attacks, even after a little physical exertion.

Specific Symptoms different types anemia:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia. For iron deficiency anemia, a characteristic parorexia (desire to use ice, paper, earth). Also, patients have concave nails (koilonychia), inflammation of the tongue and cracks in the corners of the mouth.
  • B12 deficiency anemia. This form of anemia is often manifested by tingling in the limbs (arms and legs), a staggering gait, stiffness in movement, a low sense of touch, impaired thinking, and occasional hallucinations. In severe cases, paranoia and even schizophrenic disorders may develop.
  • Anemia caused by lead poisoning. In this case, the patient has dark blue lines on the gums, severe abdominal pain and nausea.
  • Chronic destruction of red blood cells. This condition is characterized by emerging jaundice, redness of urine, ulcers on the legs. Children suffering from chronic destruction of red blood cells are late in development. Often, pathology is accompanied by the formation of stones in the gallbladder.
  • Sickle cell anemia. This form of anemia is usually accompanied by weakness, paroxysmal pain in the joints and abdominal cavity.

Patient response to anemia

Patients with anemia should include more green vegetables, lettuce, herbs, grains in their diet to get enough iron and folic acid. It is important not to drink caffeinated beverages, especially with meals, as caffeine interferes with iron absorption.

If you suspect anemia, you should immediately consult a doctor, as anemia can reduce immune functions body, provoke a breakdown, significantly reduce performance.

Diagnosis of anemia

Methods for diagnosing anemia:

  • examination by a doctor with anamnesis;
  • laboratory diagnostics. Carrying out a general clinical blood test with the obligatory determination of: the number of erythrocytes, the number of reticulocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, the average volume of erythrocytes (MCV), the width of the distribution of erythrocytes by volume (RDW), the average content of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte (MCH), the average concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte ( MCHC), leukocyte count, platelet count.

The tactics of treatment is determined depending on the type of anemia and the reasons that caused it.

For pregnant women, in order to prevent and treat anemia, the doctor prescribes iron supplements and folic acid.

Complications of anemia

In rare cases, iron deficiency anemia can lead to complications in the form of hypoxic coma, which can lead to lethal outcome in the case of a chronic course of the disease without treatment or with acute blood loss.

Prevention of anemia

In order to prevent the development of anemia, iron-rich foods (whole grain bread, beans, green vegetables, lettuce, herbs, red lean meat) should be included in the diet.

It is also necessary to avoid prolonged contact with toxic substances, chemical agents, oil products, etc.

If you ask any person what blood disease he knows, then you can almost always hear the answer - anemia. And this is no accident. According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects 24.8% of the world's population, which is 1.62 billion people.

And most often this problem is faced by children of preschool and school age- 47.4% and 25.4%, respectively, 41.8% of pregnant women and 23.9% of the elderly. A smaller percentage are representatives of the stronger sex - only 12.7%. It should be borne in mind that this is only officially confirmed data, that is, the tip of the iceberg, and what the actual prevalence of anemia is, one can only guess.

Therefore, for those who are attentive to their health, it is extremely important to “know the enemy by sight”. In this article, we will explain what anemia is, its symptoms and treatment, as well as what needs to be done to prevent anemia.

What it is

Anemia or anemia is a complex of symptoms found as a result of clinical symptoms and laboratory blood tests. The disease is characterized by a decrease in the level of erythrocytes and hemoglobin per unit volume of blood. Anemic syndrome can manifest itself as a separate disease or accompany some ailments.

ICD code 10 D50-D89: diseases of the blood, hematopoietic organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism.

According to generally accepted criteria, anemia in men is indicated by:

  • decrease in hemoglobin from 130 g / l;
  • the level of erythrocytes is less than 4*1012/l;
  • hematocrit below 39%.

For women, these indicators are as follows:

  • hemoglobin below 120 g/l;
  • erythrocytes less than 3.8*1012 g/l;
  • hematocrit - 36% and below.

A separate group includes pregnant women who do not have normal indicators a decrease in hemoglobin below 110 g/l and a hematocrit of less than 33% are considered.

Anemia classifications

Wide range indicated in International classification diseases, indicates a wide variety of types of disease, which are systematized as follows:

  • by severity. There are mild (hemoglobin slightly below normal, but exceeds 90 g/l), medium (hemoglobin in the range of 90-70 g/l) and severe (hemoglobin level below 70 g/l) forms of anemia;
  • according to the mechanism of occurrence. There are deficiency anemias (iron and folic - and protein deficiency), posthemorrhagic (as a result of bleeding), hemolytic (when red blood cells are destroyed), as well as anemia arising from problems in hematopoiesis (dyshemopoietic);
  • by the nature of the severity of the process: acute and chronic;
  • according to the regenerative abilities of the red bone marrow, which are determined by the number of reticulocytes in the blood test: regenerative, hyper-, normo- and hypo-regenerative;
  • according to the level of hemoglobin saturation of the red blood cell: hypo, normo- and hyperchromic anemia;
  • according to the size of erythrocytes: micro-, macro- and normocytic.

What Happens During Anemia

A decrease in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin leads to a reduced transport function of the blood, and as a result, human tissues experience a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). To compensate for hypoxic processes, the heart begins to work hard, increasing the number of contractions and the minute volume of blood, which compensates for the lack of oxygen in the initial stages of the disease. But in the future, this is not enough, and the manifestation of tissue hypoxia leads to metabolic disorders and acidosis. Cellular enzymes involved in the main types of metabolism are depleted, and malnutrition of tissues and organs develops, which are manifested by their degenerative processes.

In anemia caused by blood loss, a decrease in the number of red blood cells also occurs due to the production of plasma in a large volume by the body. As a result, it turns out that the blood is “diluted” and the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin decreases. If the body has enough iron in reserve, and Bone marrow copes with its hematopoietic function without problems, then the normal composition of the blood is restored by the second or third week.

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Iron plays one of the most important roles in transporting oxygen to tissues. This is carried out with the help of a protein - heme, which is a component of hemoglobin. In addition, the non-heme form of iron is involved in a number of redox processes that ensure the normal operation of the respiratory chain, the synthesis of ATP and DNA, and the deactivation of toxic compounds of internal and external origin.

Iron is also used for hematopoietic processes in the bone marrow. Iron deficiency states can be triggered by chronic blood loss, poor absorption of the element in the digestive tract, chlorosis in adolescents, pregnancy and other reasons.

With folic acid deficiency, excessive formation of megaloblasts occurs, which is caused by a violation of RNA synthesis in the nuclei of erythroblasts. There is a decrease in the ability of cells to grow, multiply and saturate with hemoglobin. Similar processes are inherent in B12 deficiency anemia.

The phenomena of hemolysis are accompanied by the destruction of red blood cells, which is characterized by an increase in the level of bilirubin, which negatively affects the body. Under the influence of a damaging factor (toxins, antigens, hereditary defects), an increase in the permeability of erythroid cell membranes develops, into which ions of osmotically active substances penetrate. The result is swelling of erythroid cells (spherocytosis) and their destruction, that is, hemolysis.

Iron deficiency anemia and its etiology

Iron deficiency anemia is a form of anemia in which there is a decrease in hemoglobin synthesis as a result of a lack of iron in the body. About a third of people around the world have experienced this problem. The causes of deficiency anemia are as follows:

  • unbalanced diet. Two forms of iron come from food: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is characterized a high degree digestibility - up to 20-30%, and is found mainly in meat. The non-heme form of iron is the ferric iron found in vegetables, milk, and eggs. A balanced diet contains up to 10-20 mg of iron, but normally only 1-2 mg will be absorbed. Thus, the absence or insufficient amount of these foods in the diet can cause anemia caused by the development of iron deficiency;
  • chronic blood loss. Constant low-intensity bleeding from the nose, uterus, intestines leads to an increased loss of the element by the body;
  • donation;
  • increased need for iron different periods life. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, adolescence and the period of intensive growth in children are characterized by increased iron consumption;
  • element malabsorption. Iron absorption occurs in duodenum and upper ileum. Proteins that bind iron are produced by intestinal cells (enterocytes) in proportion to the body's needs for this element. As a result, chronic inflammation intestines, removal of its parts, as well as helminthic invasions, can lead to problems with iron absorption, even with sufficient intake of it from the outside;
  • malignant processes of the body, monocytic leukemia. The development of tumors is accompanied by anemic and deficient syndrome.

Clinical symptoms of anemia caused by iron deficiency

In the development of iron deficiency anemia, two stages are distinguished: latent - when obvious signs the disease is not observed, and only a timely analysis of the level of ferritin can reveal the problem, and the period clinical manifestations, which is characterized by the presence of deficiency symptoms.

Signs of an anemic syndrome caused by iron deficiency: a feeling of weakness, decreased performance, palpitations, dizziness, weakening of memory and attention develops. Headaches, irritability, increased nervous excitability, decreased appetite, nausea, impaired taste and olfactory sensations, geophagia (desire to eat chalk or earth), difficulty swallowing and burning tongue will also disturb.

With sideropenia or a decrease in iron in the body, there will be dry skin, hair loses its luster and falls out, nails delaminate and deform, seizures occur in the corners of the lips (angular stomatitis), urinary incontinence is possible when coughing, sneezing or laughing.

Objective symptoms of anemia: pale shade of skin and mucous membranes, tachycardia, subfebrile temperature without apparent reason, systolic murmur at the apex of the heart, gray-bluish color of the sclera.

It should be noted that the volume and manifestations of symptoms directly depend on the adaptation of the body to the disease. Therefore, the slow course of iron deficiency processes contributes to better adaptation.

What is observed with anemia can be seen in the photo.

Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia

To establish the diagnosis, in addition to the data of an objective study and anamnesis, it will be necessary to conduct a clinical blood test, which will show a decrease in the color index (hypochromia), a decrease in hemoglobin, the presence of anisocytosis (changes in the shape of the cell), and a normal or reduced number of reticulocytes.

An equally important link in the diagnosis is the determination of the iron deficiency nature of anemia. For this, a biochemical blood test is performed, which indicates reduced content iron (in men less than 13-30 mmol / l, and in women - 12-25 mmol / l), an increased level of iron-binding capacity of serum, and a decrease in ferritin, which is an indicator of the amount of iron stores in the body.

How is iron deficiency treated?

The fight against iron deficiency anemia is carried out in several directions, which include: eliminating the cause of the deficiency state, establishing proper nutrition, drug treatment iron preparations. Do not forget that the doctor should deal with the treatment, as well as the diagnosis, of all types of anemia. Self-administration of medicines can be dangerous for your health!

The alimentary cause of anemia involves the correction of nutrition, which should contain meat products, black beans, beets, cranberries and its juice, fresh fruits, horseradish, eggs, chocolate. Recommended to eat oatmeal and buckwheat, drink pomegranate juice. Ascorbic acid, which is found in many of these foods, has a beneficial effect on iron absorption. Even with a properly selected menu, iron can be poorly absorbed, which leads to the use of alcohol and dairy products.

Sufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues is also important for therapeutic measures so lead an active lifestyle and spend more time outdoors.

Iron supplements for anemia

The intake of iron-containing medicines requires a serious approach, since if the dose is incorrectly selected, poisoning develops, as a result of which death can occur. Therefore, you should get information about the amount of the drug that you will be treated with and how long to take it from your general practitioner or pediatrician.

Good healing effect give preparations of ferric iron for oral administration. So they are better absorbed in the intestines and therefore have almost no side effects.

Comparative characteristics of modern iron-containing preparations are presented in the table.

Name compound release form
Maltofer Fe 3 hydroxide polymaltose complex 100 mg tablet form syrup, drops, chewable tablets, oral solution
Ferlatum Fe 3 protein succinylate 40 mg oral solution
Fenyuls Ferrous iron in combination with ascorbic acid and B vitamins 45 mg capsules
Aktiferrin Ferrous iron 34.5 mg/ml and amino acids capsules, syrup, drops
Sorbifer ferrous iron 100 mg and ascorbic acid tablets
Totem Fe 2 , manganese copper solution for internal use
Ferrum - lek Fe 3 polymaltose complex 100 mg chewable tablets, syrup, solution for injection

B12 deficiency anemia (Addison-Birmer disease) and why it occurs

The causes of anemia are insufficient intake of cyanocobalamin, which is needed for DNA synthesis in the process of hematopoiesis, and also participates in the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids, the violation of which has negative consequences for the functions of the nervous system.

Deficient states arise under the influence of the following factors:

  • lack of vitamin B12 in food, which is often facilitated by a vegetarian lifestyle;
  • malabsorption of the vitamin. The processes of assimilation are affected by a disease of the stomach (atrophic form of gastritis, removal of the stomach, toxic damage to the mucous membrane), enteritis, colitis, pancreatitis;
  • cancer of the stomach and intestines;
  • competitive absorption of vitamin B12. It occurs with helminthic invasion with a wide tapeworm and with diverticulosis, when bacteria absorb the vitamin.

Signs of B12 deficiency anemia

Anemia with cyanocobalamin deficiency will have signs of an anemia syndrome, as well as a feeling of numbness and freezing of the legs, a feeling of "crawling" and tingling, which is typical for damage to the nervous system.

When examining such patients, attention is drawn to the pallor of the skin with an icteric tint, the smoothness of the lingual papillae, which gives a picture of a “polished” tongue. Characterized by an increase in the size of the liver, and sometimes the spleen.

Diagnosis of B12 - deficiency anemia

With a reduced number of erythrocytes, reticulocytes and hemoglobin, an increase in the color index from 1.05 will be noted. The laboratory will show an increase in the size of red blood cells, as well as the presence of specific structures - Kebot rings and Jolly bodies against the background of a decrease in the number of leukocytes and platelets, a biochemical blood test will indicate a decrease in the level of vitamin B12. If it is not possible to determine the amount of cyanocobalamin or after a week from the start of treatment there will be no positive dynamics, carry out aspiration biopsy bone marrow.

Treatment of B12 - deficiency anemia

Therapeutic measures for this form of anemia are carried out in a complex manner, which is facilitated by the identification and elimination of the cause of anemia, the restoration of the intestinal flora with enzyme preparations and rational nutrition, as well as the appointment of cyanocobalamin in injections.

Blood transfusion is used in cases of severe anemia, in which the disease can threaten the life of the patient.

Hormonal drugs are prescribed for the autoimmune genesis of pathology.

folate deficiency anemia

From the history of folate deficiency anemia, it is known that this form of the disease mid-nineteenth century was considered malignant and many patients died from it. Folic acid, together with vitamin B12, is essential for the normal maturation of red blood cells. It enters the body with food and is partially synthesized in the intestine. The daily requirement for this vitamin is 100-200 mcg. The causes of deficiency anemia are as follows:

  • lack of natural sources of folic acid in the diet: raw vegetables, legumes, bread, eggs, honey and some types of cheeses;
  • inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract;
  • alcohol abuse;
  • violation normal microflora intestines;
  • pregnancy and the period after childbirth;
  • some medications.

The symptoms of the disease correspond to the anemic syndrome in other deficient types of anemia. In addition, there may be inflammation of the tongue, impaired stool, heaviness and pain in the abdominal cavity.

Most often, this condition does not require inpatient treatment, but the indications for hospitalization may be a severe form of the disease, old age, complex comorbidities, difficulties in diagnosis and the presence of complications. Therapy of folic acid deficiency requires the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, anthelmintic measures, the fight against dysbacteriosis, and, if indicated, the treatment of alcoholism.

Vitamin deficiency is eliminated by using folic acid preparations in a daily dose of 1 to 5 mg. The main route of administration is oral, however, it is possible to use drugs in injectable form. Often the course of treatment takes from four to six weeks.

What is posthemorrhagic anemia and why does it occur?

The acute form of anemia is a consequence of the loss a large number blood in a short period of time. It is dangerous in cases where the amount of blood loss exceeds the norm, which corresponds to a volume of more than 500 ml for an adult. Similar problems occur with extensive bleeding that is accompanied by damage to large vessels, for example, in injuries, operations, ectopic pregnancy and disease. internal organs, as well as with massive pulmonary hemorrhage.

The severity of the patient's condition and the symptoms of anemia depend on the amount of blood lost, the rate of its expiration, and the source of bleeding.

Chronic posthemorrhagic anemia is observed with regular minor bleeding that may accompany stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, uterine diseases, oncological processes intestines, gingivitis. This leads not only to general depletion of the body, but also reduces iron stores. Therefore, this type of anemia is referred to as iron deficiency.

In newborns, anemia can be caused by trauma during childbirth or by frequent blood draws for research. In older children, chronic anemia occurs due to helminthiasis, when worms, attaching to the walls of the intestine, cause minor bleeding.

Signs of anemia caused by bleeding

Due to blood loss, symptoms of anemia appear, which are determined on the basis of shortness of breath, palpitations, a sharp decrease in arterial and venous pressure, pallor of the skin and mucous membranes. These signs may initially be taken as a reaction to the cause of bleeding - pain or injury.

Then a symptom appears that is important for differential diagnosis - dry mouth, which increases with time.

The internal nature of bleeding is accompanied by a feeling of squeezing of organs, and gastrointestinal damage leads to staining of feces in dark color and hematemesis.

Diagnosis of posthemorrhagic anemia

In the first hours of blood loss, there is a uniform decrease in the amount shaped elements and blood plasma, but the level of hemoglobin does not change. For 2-3 days, all blood parameters decrease, except for color. On the 4-5th day after bleeding, young cells appear in the analysis - reticulocytes, which results in intensive restorative work of the bone marrow.

How is anemia treated after blood loss?

The main goal in the treatment of anemia caused by bleeding is to identify and eliminate the source of blood loss. The next step is to restore the volume of circulating blood by introducing plasma-substituting solutions and erythrocyte mass.

To compensate for iron deficiency, ferrum-containing drugs are used in combination with vitamin C, cobalt and zinc.

It is very important to establish a balanced diet, which should contain proteins, iron and vitamins.

Hypoplastic and aplastic types of anemia

This group of diseases is atypical form anemia. The disease develops as a result of a violation of the functions of the bone marrow, which causes inhibition of the formation of red blood cells, platelets and granulocytes. This form of anemia is life-threatening due to sharp violation blood functions.

According to its origin, anemia is divided into two groups: the first is caused by hereditary factors (Fanconi, Diamond-Blackfan anemia), the second is acquired, may be due to a number of factors, including ionizing radiation, chemical and physical agents, some drugs and viral infections. However, its reasons remain unclear to the end.

Patients have severe weakness, fever, bruises, hemorrhages at injection sites, bleeding gums. There is also a trend towards frequent illnesses respiratory system - bronchitis and pneumonia.

With a genetically determined form of anemia, newborns have a reduced birth weight, birth defects skull (microcephaly, abnormal palate, microophthalmia), pathology in the development of internal organs.

In the diagnosis of anemia, anamnesis data, the results of a peripheral blood test are used, which corresponds to a decrease in the number of all types of blood cells (pancytopenia), normal color index data and increased ESR, and an increase in blood clotting time. A trepanation biopsy of the bone marrow will be required, in which it is possible to detect complete absence its elements, replaced by adipose tissue. As additional method diagnostics can use radiation monitoring and examination for poisoning with toxic substances.

Treatment of anemia of aplastic and hypoplastic forms

The fight against aplastic anemia is, first of all, a complex and lengthy process, the main tasks of which are to prolong the life of the patient and achieve a stable remission of the disease.

The only way to cure the disease is a bone marrow transplant. If transplantation is not yet available, treatment with immunosuppressants (Cyclosporin A) and corticosteroid hormones (Prednisone) is done.

Use the transfusion of erythrocyte and platelet mass, as well as the treatment of concomitant infectious complications antibiotics and antifungals.

What is hemolytic anemia and why does it occur?

This group of diseases includes conditions in which the death of erythrocytes occurs on the tenth day, and their destruction, carried out intracellularly or inside blood vessels, is also characteristic. As a result pathological processes bilirubin is formed, which poisons the body.

In the origin of hemolytic anemia, congenital factors and acquired immune processes are noted. Congenital anemia can occur with a group or Rh-conflict of the blood of the mother and fetus, with hereditary enzyme deficiency, ovalocytosis and spherocytosis. In adults, the cause of a severe form of anemia caused by hemolysis is poisoning with poisons, toxins, hypovitaminosis, transfusion of incompatible blood, as well as postoperative and post-infectious complications.

Patients with hemolytic anemia are characterized by a specific lemon-yellow skin color, dark urine, enlarged liver and spleen, and the presence of an anemic syndrome. Chronic hemolytic anemia is accompanied by mild symptoms, which are characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission.

The hematological picture in the diagnosis is represented by the determination of free and bound bilirubin in the blood serum and urinalysis, the determination of the osmotic stability of erythrocytes and the direct Coombs test.

Treatment of hemolytic anemia

The main therapeutic measures for the treatment of anemia depend on the factors that caused the disease. Initially, drugs are used that reduce the production of antibodies and autoimmune reaction- glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone). If these drugs do not show effectiveness, and the frequency of hemolytic crises increases, then surgery- splenectomy.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of anemia

On the Internet, you can find various non-traditional methods of treating anemia that promise to defeat the disease - from conspiracies to treatment herbal preparations. However, it should be understood that rational decision will still resort to the help of a doctor, or use herbal medicine in complex treatment.

At home, you can independently prepare herbal infusions and decoctions that are rich in vitamins, folic acid and iron.

Recipe for a rosehip broth: pour a liter of water into an enamel bowl and put on fire. As soon as it boils, add 100 g of crushed rose hips to the container and hold for another five minutes. Then insist 2.5 hours and strain the broth. For adults, use a glass a day, and for children under seven years old, 100 ml is enough.

How to prepare an infusion of nettle. In 750 ml of boiling water, add 25 g of dry nettle leaves, then infuse for 10 minutes in a water bath. After filtering and cooling to room temperature, drink the prepared infusion during the day.

How to prevent anemia

To prevent anemia, you need to lead an active lifestyle, play sports, walk more in the fresh air. Try to make your diet varied, and be sure to eat foods that are sources of substances necessary for hematopoiesis.

Timely treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and carry out prevention helminthic invasions. Limit contact with toxic substances or use personal protective equipment when working with them.

See your doctor at the first sign of anemia timely diagnosis and proper treatment.

Psychosomatics of diseases states that anemia is a lack of positive emotions and fear of life. Therefore, do not forget to smile more often and enjoy every new day!

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Anemia- this is a pathological condition of the body, which is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in a unit of blood.

Erythrocytes are formed in the red bone marrow from protein fractions and non-protein components under the influence of erythropoietin (synthesized by the kidneys). For three days, erythrocytes provide transport mainly of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as nutrients and metabolic products from cells and tissues. The life span of an erythrocyte is one hundred and twenty days, after which it is destroyed. Old erythrocytes accumulate in the spleen, where non-protein fractions are utilized, and protein enters the red bone marrow, participating in the synthesis of new erythrocytes.

The entire cavity of the erythrocyte is filled with protein, hemoglobin, which includes iron. Hemoglobin gives red blood cells their red color and also helps them carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. Its work begins in the lungs, where red blood cells enter with the bloodstream. Hemoglobin molecules capture oxygen, after which oxygen-enriched erythrocytes are sent first through large vessels, and then through small capillaries to each organ, giving cells and tissues the oxygen necessary for life and normal activity.

Anemia weakens the body's ability to exchange gases; by reducing the number of red blood cells, the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide is disrupted. As a result, a person may experience signs of anemia such as feeling constant fatigue, loss of strength, drowsiness, and increased irritability.

Anemia is a manifestation of the underlying disease and is not an independent diagnosis. Many diseases, including infectious diseases, benign or malignant tumors may be associated with anemia. That is why anemia is an important symptom that requires necessary research to identify the underlying cause that led to its development.

Severe forms of anemia due to tissue hypoxia can lead to serious complications such as shock states(For example, hemorrhagic shock), hypotension, coronary or pulmonary insufficiency.

Anemia classification

Anemias are classified:
  • according to the mechanism of development;
  • by severity;
  • by color indicator;
  • on a morphological basis;
  • on the ability of the bone marrow to regenerate.

Classification

Description

Kinds

According to the mechanism of development

According to the pathogenesis, anemia can develop due to blood loss, impaired formation of red blood cells, or due to their pronounced destruction.

According to the mechanism of development, there are:

  • anemia due to acute or chronic blood loss;
  • anemia due to impaired blood formation ( for example, iron deficiency, aplastic, renal anemia, as well as B12 and folate deficiency anemia);
  • anemia due to increased destruction of red blood cells ( for example, hereditary or autoimmune anemia).

By severity

Depending on the level of decrease in hemoglobin, there are three degrees of severity of anemia. Normally, the hemoglobin level in men is 130 - 160 g / l, and in women 120 - 140 g / l.

There are following degrees of severity of anemia:

  • mild degree, at which there is a decrease in the level of hemoglobin relative to the norm up to 90 g / l;
  • average degree, at which the hemoglobin level is 90 - 70 g / l;
  • severe degree, at which the hemoglobin level is below 70 g / l.

By color index

The color indicator is the degree of saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin. It is calculated based on the results of a blood test as follows. The number three must be multiplied by the hemoglobin index and divided by the red blood cell index ( the comma is removed).

Classification of anemia by color index:

  • hypochromic anemia (weakened color of red blood cells) color index less than 0.8;
  • normochromic anemia the color index is 0.80 - 1.05;
  • hyperchromic anemia (erythrocytes are overly stained) color index greater than 1.05.

According to morphological features

With anemia, red blood cells of various sizes can be observed during a blood test. Normally, the diameter of erythrocytes should be from 7.2 to 8.0 microns ( micrometer). Smaller RBCs ( microcytosis) can be observed in iron deficiency anemia. Normal size may be present when posthemorrhagic anemia. Larger size (macrocytosis), in turn, may indicate anemia associated with a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid.

Classification of anemia by morphological features:

  • microcytic anemia, at which the diameter of erythrocytes is less than 7.0 microns;
  • normocytic anemia, at which the diameter of erythrocytes varies from 7.2 to 8.0 microns;
  • macrocytic anemia, at which the diameter of erythrocytes is more than 8.0 microns;
  • megalocytic anemia, at which the size of erythrocytes is more than 11 microns.

According to the ability of the bone marrow to regenerate

Since the formation of red blood cells occurs in the red bone marrow, the main sign of bone marrow regeneration is an increase in the level of reticulocytes ( erythrocyte precursors) in blood. Also, their level indicates how actively the formation of red blood cells proceeds ( erythropoiesis). Normally, in human blood, the number of reticulocytes should not exceed 1.2% of all red blood cells.

According to the ability of the bone marrow to regenerate, the following forms are distinguished:

  • regenerative form characterized by normal bone marrow regeneration ( the number of reticulocytes is 0.5 - 2%);
  • hyporegenerative form characterized by a reduced ability of the bone marrow to regenerate ( the reticulocyte count is below 0.5%);
  • hyperregenerative form characterized by a pronounced ability to regenerate ( the number of reticulocytes is more than two percent);
  • aplastic form characterized by a sharp suppression of regeneration processes ( the number of reticulocytes is less than 0.2%, or their absence is observed).

Causes of anemia

There are three main causes leading to the development of anemia:
  • blood loss (acute or chronic bleeding);
  • increased destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis);
  • reduced production of red blood cells.
It should also be noted that depending on the type of anemia, the causes of its occurrence may differ.

Factors affecting the development of anemia

Causes

genetic factor

  • hemoglobinopathies ( a change in the structure of hemoglobin is observed with thalassemia, sickle cell anemia);
  • Fanconi's anemia develops due to an existing defect in the cluster of proteins that are responsible for DNA repair);
  • enzymatic defects in erythrocytes;
  • cytoskeletal defects ( cell scaffold located in the cytoplasm of a cell) erythrocyte;
  • congenital dyserythropoietic anemia ( characterized by impaired formation of red blood cells);
  • abetalipoproteinemia or Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome ( characterized by a lack of beta-lipoprotein in intestinal cells, which leads to impaired absorption of nutrients);
  • hereditary spherocytosis or Minkowski-Choffard disease ( due to a violation of the cell membrane, erythrocytes take spherical different shape ).

Nutritional factor

  • iron deficiency;
  • vitamin B12 deficiency;
  • folic acid deficiency;
  • deficit ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
  • starvation and malnutrition.

physical factor

Chronic diseases and neoplasms

  • kidney disease ( e.g. liver tuberculosis, glomerulonephritis);
  • liver disease ( e.g. hepatitis, cirrhosis);
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract ( e.g. gastric and duodenal ulcer, atrophic gastritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease);
  • collagen vascular diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis);
  • benign and malignant tumors for example, uterine fibroids, polyps in the intestines, cancer of the kidneys, lungs, intestines).

infectious factor

  • viral diseases ( hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus);
  • bacterial diseases ( tuberculosis of the lungs or kidneys, leptospirosis, obstructive bronchitis);
  • protozoal diseases ( malaria, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis).

Pesticides and medicines

  • inorganic arsenic, benzene;
  • radiation;
  • cytostatics ( chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer);
  • antithyroid drugs ( reduce the synthesis of thyroid hormones);
  • antiepileptic drugs.

Iron-deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is hypochromic anemia, which is characterized by a decrease in the level of iron in the body.

Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin and a color index.

Iron is a vital element involved in many metabolic processes in the body. In a person weighing seventy kilograms, the iron reserve in the body is approximately four grams. This amount is maintained by maintaining a balance between the regular loss of iron from the body and its intake. To maintain balance daily requirement iron is 20 - 25 mg. Most of the incoming iron in the body is spent on its needs, the rest is deposited in the form of ferritin or hemosiderin and, if necessary, is consumed.

Causes of iron deficiency anemia

Causes

Description

Violation of the intake of iron in the body

  • vegetarianism due to the lack of animal proteins ( meat, fish, eggs, dairy products);
  • socio-economic component ( for example, there is not enough money for good nutrition).

Impaired absorption of iron

Iron absorption occurs at the level of the gastric mucosa, therefore, stomach diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcer or gastric resection lead to impaired iron absorption.

Increased body's need for iron

  • pregnancy, including multiple pregnancy;
  • lactation period;
  • adolescence ( due to rapid growth);
  • chronic diseases accompanied by hypoxia ( e.g. chronic bronchitis, heart defects);
  • chronic suppurative diseases ( e.g. chronic abscesses, bronchiectasis, sepsis).

Loss of iron from the body

  • pulmonary bleeding ( e.g. lung cancer, tuberculosis);
  • gastrointestinal bleeding ( e.g. gastric and duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, intestinal cancer, esophageal and rectal varicose veins, non-specific ulcerative colitis, helminthic infestations);
  • uterine bleeding ( e.g. placental abruption, uterine rupture, uterine or cervical cancer, aborted ectopic pregnancy, uterine fibroids);
  • kidney bleeding ( e.g. kidney cancer, kidney tuberculosis).

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

The clinical picture of iron deficiency anemia is based on the development of two syndromes in a patient:
  • anemic syndrome;
  • sideropenic syndrome.
Anemia syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms:
  • severe general weakness;
  • increased fatigue;
  • attention deficit;
  • malaise;
  • drowsiness;
  • black stool (with gastrointestinal bleeding);
  • heartbeat;
Sideropenic syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms:
  • taste perversion (for example, patients eat chalk, raw meat);
  • perversion of smell (for example, patients sniff acetone, gasoline, paints);
  • brittle, dull, split ends;
  • white spots appear on the nails;
  • the skin is pale, the skin is flaky;
  • cheilitis (bites) may appear in the corners of the mouth.
Also, the patient may complain of the development of leg cramps, for example, when climbing stairs.

Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia

On physical examination, the patient has:
  • cracks in the corners of the mouth;
  • "glossy" language;
  • in severe cases, an increase in the size of the spleen.
  • microcytosis (small erythrocytes);
  • hypochromia of erythrocytes (weak color of erythrocytes);
  • poikilocytosis (erythrocytes of various forms).
IN biochemical analysis blood, the following changes are observed:
  • decrease in the level of ferritin;
  • serum iron is reduced;
  • serum iron-binding capacity is increased.
Instrumental research methods
To identify the cause that led to the development of anemia, the following instrumental studies can be prescribed to the patient:
  • fibrogastroduodenoscopy (for examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum);
  • Ultrasound (for examining the kidneys, liver, female genital organs);
  • colonoscopy (to examine the large intestine);
  • computed tomography (for example, to examine the lungs, kidneys);
  • X-rays of light.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia

Nutrition for anemia
In nutrition, iron is divided into:
  • heme, which enters the body with products of animal origin;
  • non-heme, which enters the body with food plant origin.
It should be noted that heme iron is absorbed in the body much better than non-heme iron.

Food

Product Names

Food
animal
origin

  • liver;
  • beef tongue;
  • rabbit meat;
  • turkey;
  • goose meat;
  • beef;
  • fish.
  • 9 mg;
  • 5 mg;
  • 4.4 mg;
  • 4 mg;
  • 3 mg;
  • 2.8 mg;
  • 2.3 mg.

  • dried mushrooms;
  • fresh peas;
  • buckwheat;
  • Hercules;
  • fresh mushrooms;
  • apricots;
  • pear;
  • apples;
  • plums;
  • cherries;
  • beet.
  • 35 mg;
  • 11.5 mg;
  • 7.8 mg;
  • 7.8 mg;
  • 5.2 mg;
  • 4.1 mg;
  • 2.3 mg;
  • 2.2 mg;
  • 2.1 mg;
  • 1.8 mg;
  • 1.4 mg.

While dieting, you should also increase your intake of foods containing vitamin C, as well as meat protein (they increase the absorption of iron in the body) and reduce the intake of eggs, salt, caffeine and calcium (they reduce the absorption of iron).

Medical treatment
In the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the patient is prescribed iron supplements in parallel with the diet. Data medicines designed to compensate for iron deficiency in the body. They are available in the form of capsules, dragees, injections, syrups and tablets.

The dose and duration of treatment is selected individually depending on the following indicators:

  • patient's age;
  • the severity of the disease;
  • reasons that caused iron deficiency anemia;
  • based on the results of the analyses.
Iron supplements are taken one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal. These drugs should not be taken with tea or coffee, as iron absorption is reduced, so it is recommended to drink them with water or juice.

Iron preparations in the form of injections (intramuscular or intravenous) are used in the following cases:

  • with severe anemia;
  • if anemia progresses despite taking doses of iron in the form of tablets, capsules or syrup;
  • if the patient has diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, gastric and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), since the iron supplement taken may aggravate the existing disease;
  • before surgical interventions for the purpose of accelerated saturation of the body with iron;
  • if the patient has intolerance to iron preparations when they are taken orally.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is performed when the patient has an acute or chronic bleeding. So, for example, with gastrointestinal bleeding, fibrogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy can be used to identify the area of ​​bleeding and then stop it (for example, a bleeding polyp is removed, a gastric and duodenal ulcer is coagulated). At uterine bleeding, as well as for bleeding in organs located in the abdominal cavity, laparoscopy can be used.

If necessary, the patient may be assigned a transfusion of red blood cells to replenish the volume of circulating blood.

B12 - deficiency anemia

This anemia is due to a lack of vitamin B12 (and possibly folic acid). It is characterized by a megaloblastic type (increased number of megaloblasts, erythrocyte progenitor cells) of hematopoiesis and represents hyperchromic anemia.

Normally, vitamin B12 enters the body with food. At the level of the stomach, B12 binds to a protein produced in it, gastromucoprotein (Castle's intrinsic factor). This protein protects the vitamin that has entered the body from the negative effects of the intestinal microflora, and also promotes its absorption.

The complex of gastromucoprotein and vitamin B12 reaches the distal (lower) small intestine, where the breakdown of this complex occurs, the absorption of vitamin B12 in slime layer intestines and its further entry into the blood.

From the bloodstream, this vitamin comes:

  • in the red bone marrow to participate in the synthesis of red blood cells;
  • in the liver, where it is deposited;
  • to the central nervous system for the synthesis of the myelin sheath (covers the axons of neurons).

Causes of B12 deficiency anemia

There are the following reasons for the development of B12-deficiency anemia:
  • insufficient intake of vitamin B12 with food;
  • violation of the synthesis of internal factor Castle due to, for example, atrophic gastritis, gastric resection, gastric cancer;
  • intestinal damage, for example, dysbiosis, helminthiasis, intestinal infections;
  • increased body needs for vitamin B12 ( fast growth, active sports, multiple pregnancy);
  • violation of vitamin deposition due to cirrhosis of the liver.

Symptoms of B12 deficiency anemia

The clinical picture of B12 and folate deficiency anemia is based on the development of the following syndromes in the patient:
  • anemic syndrome;
  • gastrointestinal syndrome;
  • neuralgic syndrome.

Name of the syndrome

Symptoms

Anemia syndrome

  • weakness;
  • increased fatigue;
  • headache and dizziness;
  • skin integuments are pale with an icteric shade ( due to liver damage);
  • flashing flies before the eyes;
  • dyspnea;
  • heartbeat;
  • with this anemia, there is an increase in blood pressure;

Gastrointestinal syndrome

  • the tongue is shiny, bright red, the patient feels a burning sensation of the tongue;
  • the presence of ulcers in the oral cavity ( aphthous stomatitis);
  • loss of appetite or its decrease;
  • feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating;
  • weight loss;
  • there may be pain in the rectum;
  • stool disorder constipation);
  • enlargement of the liver ( hepatomegaly).

These symptoms develop due to atrophic changes in the mucous layer of the oral cavity, stomach and intestines.

Neuralgic syndrome

  • feeling of weakness in the legs when walking for a long time or when climbing up);
  • feeling of numbness and tingling in the limbs;
  • violation of peripheral sensitivity;
  • atrophic changes in the muscles of the lower extremities;
  • convulsions.

Diagnosis of B12 deficiency anemia

In the general blood test, the following changes are observed:
  • decrease in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin;
  • hyperchromia (pronounced color of erythrocytes);
  • macrocytosis (increased size of red blood cells);
  • poikilocytosis (a different form of red blood cells);
  • microscopy of erythrocytes reveals Kebot rings and Jolly bodies;
  • reticulocytes are reduced or normal;
  • a decrease in the level of white blood cells (leukopenia);
  • increased levels of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis);
  • decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
In the biochemical blood test, hyperbilirubinemia is observed, as well as a decrease in the level of vitamin B12.

A puncture of the red bone marrow revealed an increase in megaloblasts.

The patient may be assigned the following instrumental studies:

  • study of the stomach (fibrogastroduodenoscopy, biopsy);
  • examination of the intestine (colonoscopy, irrigoscopy);
  • ultrasound examination of the liver.
These studies help to identify atrophic changes in the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, as well as to detect diseases that led to the development of B12-deficiency anemia (for example, malignant tumors, cirrhosis of the liver).

Treatment of B12 deficiency anemia

All patients are hospitalized in the hematology department, where they undergo appropriate treatment.

Nutrition for B12 deficiency anemia
Diet therapy is prescribed, in which the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12 is increased.

The daily requirement for vitamin B12 is three micrograms.

Medical treatment
Drug treatment is prescribed to the patient according to the following scheme:

  • For two weeks, the patient receives 1000 mcg of Cyanocobalamin intramuscularly daily. Within two weeks, the patient's neurological symptoms disappear.
  • Over the next four to eight weeks, the patient receives 500 mcg daily intramuscularly to saturate the depot of vitamin B12 in the body.
  • Subsequently, the patient for life receives intramuscular injections once a week, 500 mcg.
During treatment, simultaneously with Cyanocobalamin, the patient may be prescribed folic acid.

A patient with B12-deficiency anemia should be observed for life by a hematologist, gastrologist and family doctor.

folate deficiency anemia

Folate deficiency anemia is a hyperchromic anemia characterized by a lack of folic acid in the body.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is a water-soluble vitamin, which is partly produced by intestinal cells, but mainly must come from outside to replenish the body's needs. The daily intake of folic acid is 200-400 micrograms.

IN food products, as well as in the cells of the body, folic acid is in the form of folates (polyglutamates).

Folic acid plays an important role in the human body:

  • participates in the development of the organism in the prenatal period (contributes to the formation of nerve conduction of tissues, circulatory system fetus, prevents the development of certain malformations);
  • participates in the growth of the child (for example, in the first year of life, during puberty);
  • affects the processes of hematopoiesis;
  • together with vitamin B12 is involved in DNA synthesis;
  • prevents the formation of blood clots in the body;
  • improves the processes of regeneration of organs and tissues;
  • participates in the renewal of tissues (for example, skin).
Absorption (absorption) of folate in the body is carried out in the duodenum and in the upper part of the small intestine.

Causes of folate deficiency anemia

There are the following reasons for the development of folate deficiency anemia:
  • insufficient intake of folic acid from food;
  • increased loss of folic acid from the body (for example, with cirrhosis of the liver);
  • impaired absorption of folic acid in the small intestine (for example, with celiac disease, when taking certain medications, with chronic alcohol intoxication);
  • increased body needs for folic acid (for example, during pregnancy, malignant tumors).

Symptoms of folate deficiency anemia

With folate deficiency anemia, the patient has an anemic syndrome (symptoms such as increased fatigue, palpitations, pallor of the skin, decreased performance). Neurological syndrome, as well as atrophic changes in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, stomach and intestines, are absent in this type of anemia.

Also, the patient may experience an increase in the size of the spleen.

Diagnosis of folate deficiency anemia

In a general blood test, the following changes are observed:
  • hyperchromia;
  • decrease in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin;
  • macrocytosis;
  • leukopenia;
  • thrombocytopenia.
In the results of a biochemical blood test, there is a decrease in the level of folic acid (less than 3 mg / ml), as well as an increase in indirect bilirubin.

Myelogram reveals increased content megaloblasts and hypersegmented neutrophils.

Treatment of folate deficiency anemia

Nutrition in folate deficiency anemia plays a big role, the patient needs to consume foods rich in folic acid daily.

It should be noted that with any culinary processing of products, folates are destroyed by approximately fifty percent or more. Therefore, in order to provide the body with the necessary daily rate products are recommended for fresh(vegetables and fruits).

Food Name of products The amount of iron per hundred milligrams
Food of animal origin
  • beef and chicken liver;
  • pork liver;
  • heart and kidneys;
  • fatty cottage cheese and cheese;
  • cod;
  • butter;
  • sour cream;
  • beef meat;
  • rabbit meat;
  • chicken eggs;
  • chicken;
  • mutton.
  • 240 mg;
  • 225 mg;
  • 56 mg;
  • 35 mg;
  • 11 mg;
  • 10 mg;
  • 8.5 mg;
  • 7.7 mg;
  • 7 mg;
  • 4.3 mg;
  • 4.1 mg;
Foods of plant origin
  • asparagus;
  • peanut;
  • lentils;
  • beans;
  • parsley;
  • spinach;
  • walnuts;
  • Wheat groats;
  • white fresh mushrooms;
  • buckwheat and barley groats;
  • wheat, grain bread;
  • eggplant;
  • green onion;
  • red pepper ( sweet);
  • peas;
  • tomatoes;
  • White cabbage;
  • carrot;
  • oranges.
  • 262 mg;
  • 240 mg;
  • 180 mg;
  • 160 mg;
  • 117 mg;
  • 80 mg;
  • 77 mg;
  • 40 mg;
  • 40 mg;
  • 32 mg;
  • 30 mg;
  • 18.5 mg;
  • 18 mg;
  • 17 mg;
  • 16 mg;
  • 11 mg;
  • 10 mg;
  • 9 mg;
  • 5 mg.

Drug treatment of folic acid deficiency anemia involves taking folic acid in an amount of five to fifteen milligrams per day. The required dosage is set by the attending physician, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the course of anemia and the results of the studies.

The prophylactic dose includes taking one to five milligrams of the vitamin per day.

aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is characterized by bone marrow hypoplasia and pancytopenia (decrease in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets). The development of aplastic anemia occurs under the influence of external and internal factors, as well as due to qualitative and quantitative changes in stem cells and their micro-environment.

Aplastic anemia can be congenital or acquired.

Causes of aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia can develop due to:
  • stem cell defect
  • suppression of hematopoiesis (blood formation);
  • immune reactions;
  • lack of factors stimulating hematopoiesis;
  • no use hematopoietic tissue important elements for the body, such as iron and vitamin B12.
There are the following reasons for the development of aplastic anemia:
  • hereditary factor (for example, Fanconi anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia);
  • drugs (eg, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, cytostatics);
  • chemicals (eg inorganic arsenic, benzene);
  • viral infections (eg, parvovirus infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV));
  • autoimmune diseases (eg, systemic lupus erythematosus);
  • severe nutritional deficiencies (eg, vitamin B12, folic acid).
It should be noted that in half of the cases the cause of the disease cannot be identified.

Symptoms of aplastic anemia

The clinical manifestations of aplastic anemia depend on the severity of pancytopenia.

With aplastic anemia, the patient has the following symptoms:

  • pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;
  • headache;
  • dyspnea;
  • increased fatigue;
  • gingival bleeding (due to a decrease in the level of platelets in the blood);
  • petechial rash (red spots on the skin of small sizes), bruises on the skin;
  • acute or chronic infections (due to a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood);
  • ulceration of the oropharyngeal zone (the oral mucosa, tongue, cheeks, gums and pharynx are affected);
  • yellowness of the skin (a symptom of liver damage).

Diagnosis of aplastic anemia

In the general blood test, the following changes are observed:
  • decrease in the number of red blood cells;
  • decrease in hemoglobin level;
  • decrease in the number of leukocytes and platelets;
  • decrease in reticulocytes.
The color index, as well as the concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte, remain normal.

In a biochemical blood test, the following is observed:

  • increase in serum iron;
  • saturation of transferrin (iron-carrying protein) with iron by 100%;
  • increased bilirubin;
  • increased lactate dehydrogenase.
Puncture of the red brain and subsequent histological examination revealed:
  • underdevelopment of all germs (erythrocyte, granulocytic, lymphocytic, monocytic and macrophage);
  • replacement of bone marrow with fat (yellow marrow).
Among the instrumental methods of research, the patient can be assigned:
  • ultrasound examination of parenchymal organs;
  • electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography;
  • fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
  • colonoscopy;
  • CT scan.

Treatment of aplastic anemia

With the right supportive treatment, the condition of patients with aplastic anemia improves significantly.

In the treatment of aplastic anemia, the patient is prescribed:

  • immunosuppressive drugs (for example, cyclosporine, methotrexate);
  • glucocorticosteroids (for example, methylprednisolone);
  • antilymphocyte and antiplatelet immunoglobulins;
  • antimetabolites (eg, fludarabine);
  • erythropoietin (stimulates the formation of red blood cells and stem cells).
Non-drug treatment includes:
  • bone marrow transplantation (from a compatible donor);
  • transfusion of blood components (erythrocytes, platelets);
  • plasmapheresis (mechanical blood purification);
  • compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis in order to prevent the development of infection.
Also at severe course Aplastic anemia may require surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy).

Depending on the effectiveness of the treatment, a patient with aplastic anemia may experience:

  • complete remission (attenuation or complete disappearance of symptoms);
  • partial remission;
  • clinical improvement;
  • no effect of treatment.

Treatment effectiveness

Indicators

Complete remission

  • hemoglobin index more than one hundred grams per liter;
  • the granulocyte index is more than 1.5 x 10 to the ninth power per liter;
  • platelet count more than 100 x 10 to the ninth power per liter;
  • no need for blood transfusion.

Partial remission

  • hemoglobin index more than eighty grams per liter;
  • granulocyte index more than 0.5 x 10 to the ninth power per liter;
  • platelet count more than 20 x 10 to the ninth power per liter;
  • no need for blood transfusion.

Clinical Improvement

  • improvement in blood counts;
  • reducing the need for blood transfusion for replacement purposes for two months or more.

No therapeutic effect

  • no improvement in blood counts;
  • there is a need for a blood transfusion.

Hemolytic anemia

Hemolysis is the premature destruction of red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia develops when the activity of the bone marrow is not able to compensate for the loss of red blood cells. The severity of anemia depends on whether hemolysis of red blood cells began gradually or abruptly. Gradual hemolysis may be asymptomatic, while anemia in severe hemolysis may be life-threatening for the patient and cause angina pectoris, as well as cardiopulmonary decompensation.

Hemolytic anemia can develop due to hereditary or acquired diseases.

By localization, hemolysis can be:

  • intracellular (for example, autoimmune hemolytic anemia);
  • intravascular (eg, transfusion of incompatible blood, disseminated intravascular coagulation).
In patients with mild hemolysis, the hemoglobin level may be normal if the production of red blood cells matches the rate of their destruction.

Causes of hemolytic anemia

Premature destruction of red blood cells may be due to the following reasons:
  • internal membrane defects of erythrocytes;
  • defects in the structure and synthesis of hemoglobin protein;
  • enzymatic defects in the erythrocyte;
  • hypersplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen).
Hereditary diseases can cause hemolysis as a result of red blood cell membrane abnormalities, enzymatic defects, and hemoglobin abnormalities.

There are the following hereditary hemolytic anemias:

  • enzymopathies (anemia, in which there is a lack of enzyme, deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase);
  • hereditary spherocytosis or Minkowski-Choffard disease (erythrocytes of an irregular spherical shape);
  • thalassemia (violation of the synthesis of polypeptide chains that are part of the structure of normal hemoglobin);
  • sickle cell anemia (a change in the structure of hemoglobin leads to the fact that red blood cells take on a sickle shape).
Acquired causes of hemolytic anemia include immune and non-immune disorders.

Immune disorders are characterized by autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Non-immune disorders can be caused by:

  • pesticides (for example, pesticides, benzene);
  • medicines (for example, antivirals, antibiotics);
  • physical damage;
  • infections (eg malaria).
Hemolytic microangiopathic anemia results in the production of fragmented red blood cells and can be caused by:
  • defective artificial heart valve;
  • disseminated intravascular coagulation;
  • hemolytic uremic syndrome;

Symptoms of hemolytic anemia

Symptoms and manifestations of hemolytic anemia are diverse and depend on the type of anemia, the degree of compensation, and also on what treatment the patient received.

It should be noted that hemolytic anemia may be asymptomatic, and hemolysis may be detected incidentally during routine laboratory testing.

Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:

  • pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;
  • fragility of nails;
  • tachycardia;
  • increased respiratory movements;
  • decline blood pressure;
  • yellowness of the skin (due to an increase in the level of bilirubin);
  • ulcers may appear on the legs;
  • skin hyperpigmentation;
  • gastrointestinal manifestations (eg, abdominal pain, stool disturbance, nausea).
It should be noted that with intravascular hemolysis, the patient has an iron deficiency due to chronic hemoglobinuria (the presence of hemoglobin in the urine). Due to oxygen starvation, cardiac function is impaired, which leads to the development of patient symptoms such as weakness, tachycardia, shortness of breath and angina pectoris (with severe anemia). Due to hemoglobinuria, the patient also has dark urine.

Prolonged hemolysis can lead to the development of gallstones due to impaired bilirubin metabolism. At the same time, patients may complain of abdominal pain and bronze skin color.

Diagnosis of hemolytic anemia

In the general analysis of blood is observed:
  • decrease in hemoglobin level;
  • decrease in the level of red blood cells;
  • an increase in reticulocytes.
Microscopy of erythrocytes reveals their crescent shape, as well as Cabot rings and Jolly bodies.

In a biochemical blood test, there is an increase in the level of bilirubin, as well as hemoglobinemia (an increase in free hemoglobin in the blood plasma).

In children whose mothers suffered from anemia during pregnancy, iron deficiency is also often found by the first year of life.

Symptoms of anemia often include:

  • feeling tired;
  • sleep disorder;
  • dizziness;
  • nausea;
  • dyspnea;
  • weakness;
  • fragility of nails and hair, as well as hair loss;
  • pallor and dryness of the skin;
  • perversion of taste (for example, the desire to eat chalk, raw meat) and smell (the desire to sniff liquids with pungent odors).
In rare cases, a pregnant woman may experience fainting.

At the same time, it should be noted that mild form anemia may not manifest itself in any way, so it is very important to take regular blood tests to determine the level of red blood cells, hemoglobin and ferritin in the blood.

During pregnancy, the norm of hemoglobin is considered to be 110 g / l and above. A drop below normal is considered a sign of anemia.

In the treatment of anemia important role diet plays. From vegetables and fruits, iron is absorbed much worse than from meat products. Therefore, the diet of a pregnant woman should be rich in meat (for example, beef, liver, rabbit meat) and fish.

The daily iron requirement is:

  • in the first trimester of pregnancy - 15 - 18 mg;
  • in the second trimester of pregnancy - 20 - 30 mg;
  • in the third trimester of pregnancy - 33 - 35 mg.
However, it is impossible to eliminate anemia only with the help of a diet, so a woman will additionally need to take iron-containing preparations prescribed by a doctor.

Name of the drug

Active substance

Mode of application

Sorbifer

Ferrous sulfate and ascorbic acid.

As a preventive measure for the development of anemia, it is necessary to take one tablet per day. WITH therapeutic purpose two tablets should be taken daily in the morning and evening.

Maltofer

iron hydroxide.

In the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, two to three tablets should be taken ( 200 - 300 mg) per day. WITH preventive purpose the drug is taken in one tablet ( 100 mg) in a day.

Ferretab

Ferrous fumarate and folic acid.

It is necessary to take one tablet per day, if indicated, the dose can be increased to two to three tablets per day.

Tardyferon

Iron sulfate.

For prophylactic purposes, take the drug, starting from the fourth month of pregnancy, one tablet daily or every other day. For therapeutic purposes, it is necessary to take two tablets a day in the morning and evening.


In addition to iron, these preparations may additionally contain ascorbic or folic acid, as well as cysteine, as they contribute to better assimilation iron in the body. Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

is an abnormal state of the body. The disease is diagnosed by a laboratory study of a blood test. The hydration of the body is taken into account so that it is not oversaturated with water, and the blood is diluted. Otherwise, the diagnosis will be presumptive, not accurate. When taking the test, the body must be properly dehydrated.

Latent form of anemia and pseudoanemia

Depending on the state of the body, anemia can take two forms:

  • hidden;
  • pseudo.

Blood thinning (a large percentage of water) is hydremia. People call it pseudoanemia. By drinking plenty of water, tissue fluid enters the bloodstream.

Blood clotting (a latent form of anemia) occurs as a result of the loss of some of the liquid blood that occurs due to severe dehydration. The latter provokes vomiting, severe sweating or diarrhea. With latent anemia, hemoglobin is at an optimal level. This contributes to the thickening of the blood.

There are two types of signs of anemia: specific and nonspecific. The first type is expressed strictly individually and is characteristic of a certain form of the disease. In the second type, the signs of manifestation are suitable for all types of anemia.

Forms of anemia

There are several of them:

  • pernicious;
  • iron deficiency;
  • medicinal;
  • sickle cell;
  • aplastic;
  • congenital spherocytic.

What are these species? Vitamin B12 deficiency causes pernicious anemia. The brain is in great need of this element. This form of the disease is most susceptible to people whose stomach cannot reproduce the enzymes that can absorb the vitamin.

Insufficient amount of iron provokes iron deficiency anemia. It often occurs in women during pregnancy and during labor activity due to blood loss.

The medicinal form of the disease affects people prone to allergic reactions to medications. For example, on the same aspirin.

Sickle cell anemia is genetically transmitted. In this case, the red blood cells take on the shape of a sickle. As a result of this, a slowdown in blood flow may occur or Botkin's disease may appear.

If there is no tissue in the bone marrow responsible for the reproduction of blood cells, aplastic anemia may appear. This species affects people who have received any kind of radiation.

Congenital spherocytic anemia is a hereditary disease. In this case, the cells take a rounded shape, destroying the spleen. With this form, kidney stones may form or the spleen may enlarge.

The disease can be triggered by various factors. According to the pathogenesis in medicine, there are four forms of anemia:

  • hemolytic appearance;
  • posthemorrhagic;
  • in short supply;
  • hypoplastic.

The rapid death of erythrocytes causes hemolytic form anemia. The second type is associated with severe blood loss. Lack of vitamins and beneficial trace elements provokes deficiency anemia. The third type is difficult to tolerate by patients. It is associated with an anomaly of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow.

Feature and symptoms

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact a specialist:

  • weakness in the body and dizziness;
  • the skin becomes pale;
  • severe fatigue;
  • changes in the CPU and leukocytes;
  • regular headaches and drowsiness;
  • sudden weight loss;
  • sleep disturbance, severe shortness of breath;
  • menstruation is not stable;
  • low hemoglobin level;
  • reduced number of red blood cells;
  • heart disease.

Similar symptoms are inherent in nonspecific features. There are several reasons for anemia:

  • abnormality of red blood cells produced by the bone marrow;
  • prolonged bleeding;
  • short lifespan of red blood cells (hemolysis).

First reason. Anemia is based on a violation or reduction in the level of red blood cells. Associated with the disease:

  • kidney anomaly;
  • protein depletion;
  • oncology;
  • endocrine insufficiency;
  • chronic infections.

The second reason is prolonged bleeding. This form is especially characteristic during the period of labor and injury. In addition to iron, all key elements of red blood cells can be restored. For this reason, it causes anemia.

Third reason. Lack of useful vital important elements leads to a reduction in erythrocytes.

Fourth reason. The causative agent of anemia is the malfunction of red blood cells, in other words, their anomaly. The destruction of red blood cells provokes a violation of hemoglobin or a change in the function of internal organs. Disease of the spleen can also cause hemolysis.

What are the degrees of the disease?

According to the pathogenesis, anemia has a working category. It is she who is taken into account by the laboratory assistants of the clinical department. In medical practice, the degree of the disease is determined by four indicators:

  • mild, moderate and severe - they are determined by the severity of the disease;
  • color indicator (CPU);
  • serum iron content;
  • erythrocyte diameter (SDE) - the average is taken.

The division of the disease into classifications allows you to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

First

There are three types of severity of anemia - mild (hemoglobin less than 100 g / l, erythrocytes less than 3 T / l), medium (from 100 to 66 g / l, 3 - 2 T / l) and severe (hemoglobin less than 66 g / l) .

Second

According to the CP of the blood, three degrees of anemia are determined:

  • normochromic (color indicator from 0.8 to 1.05);
  • hypochromic (<0,8);
  • hyperchromic (>1.05).

In the first case, the hemoglobin level is normal, in the second it is low, and in the third it is high. Each degree has its own type of disease. Normochromic anemia - posthemorrhagic and hemolytic. Hypochromic - iron deficiency, chronic posthemorrhagic thalassemia. Hyperchromic - deficient and a disease associated with a lack of folic acid.

According to SDE, the following types of anemia are diagnosed:

  • normocytic (from 7.2 to 8.0 microns);
  • microcytic (< 7,2 микрон);
  • megaloblastic (>9.5).

With normocytic anemia, erythrocytes have a normal diameter, with microcytic - reduced, with megaloblastic - increased.

According to the level of serum iron, the disease is diagnosed as:

  • normosidermic (from 9.0 to 31.3 µmol/l);
  • hypersideremic (more than 32);
  • hyposideremic (less than 9.0).

The first type includes the posthemorrhagic type of anemia, the second type - hemolytic and deficient, the third - iron deficiency, posthemorrhagic (chronic) and thalassemia.

You know the types and signs of anemia. Now you will find out how they manifest themselves and what modification in the body you have to deal with?

All about posthemorrhagic anemia

This type of disease can be expressed in chronic and acute forms. Chronic anemia occurs with prolonged bleeding in small doses. The acute form progresses very quickly during a large blood loss.

The symptoms of posthemorrhagic anemia are as follows:

  • pale complexion;
  • dizziness;
  • periodic loss of consciousness;
  • rapid pulse;
  • body temperature drops below normal;
  • protrusion of cold sweat;
  • regular nausea and vomiting.

With this type of blood loss is approximately 30%. Such an indicator is dangerous for human life.

For diagnosis, an appropriate clinical analysis should be passed. The reticulocyte index exceeds 11%, immature erythrocytes acquire an abnormal appearance.

Therapy of acute posthemorrhagic anemia is only stationary and is aimed at restoring the norm of uniform elements, good blood circulation, and to maintain established indicators. The first task is to stop the bleeding.

Symptoms of chronic posthemorrhagic anemia:

  • odor intolerance;
  • the skin becomes pale;
  • taste preferences change;
  • pastosity of the legs;
  • the skin becomes dry and rough;
  • swelling of the face;
  • profuse hair loss;
  • the nail plate breaks.

In addition to the main symptoms, there may be shortness of breath, weakness in the body, regular dizziness and nausea, and the pulse exceeds the norm. But iron deficiency also causes involuntary urination and gloss. The acidity level drops significantly.

The disease is diagnosed by the color, number and shape of red blood cells. In chronic posthemorrhagic form, they are weakly colored, have oval shape and tiny size. The number of leukocytes is reduced. This condition is caused by the following factors:

  • tumors;
  • disease of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys;
  • roundworm;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • anomaly of the blood coagulation system.

The therapy takes place in stages. First of all, it is necessary to identify the cause of blood loss and eliminate it. Then develop the right diet, filling it with foods rich in useful elements. But also the doctor will prescribe the appropriate drugs.

All about hemolytic anemia

In this case, red blood cells are more destroyed than produced. Hemolytic anemia is: hereditary and acquired. Symptoms:

  • enlarged liver;
  • fever and chills appear;
  • the spleen increases in size;
  • urine becomes dark in color;
  • the density of bilirubin is not normal.

There are two types of hereditary hemolytic anemia: and sickle cell. The latter is caused by an abnormality of the hemoglobin molecule forming into a spindle-shaped crystal, giving red blood cells the sickle shape. Symptoms:

  • hemoglobin appears in the urine;
  • vision is impaired;
  • the spleen becomes larger than its size;
  • Botkin's disease occurs;
  • hemolytic crises (oxygen deficiency).

The disease is diagnosed by clinical trial. A blood test shows a small amount of hemoglobin (from 50 to 80 g / l), and red blood cells (from 1 to 2 T / l), a high growth of reticulocytes (over 30%).

In the treatment of sickle cell anemia, it is very important to prevent a hemolytic crisis, so the only way out is a red blood cell transfusion.

Thalassemia

A disease appears as a result of a violation of the shape of red blood cells and the rate of formation of hemoglobin. Thalassemia is not curable genetic disease. But it is possible to alleviate the situation. Symptoms:

  • the skin becomes icteric;
  • mental underdevelopment;
  • weak physical form;
  • enlarged liver;
  • skull deformity;
  • the spleen is large;
  • hemosiderosis;
  • eyes become narrow.

Clinicians detect target erythrocytes, hemoglobin density is reduced to 20 g/l, the number of erythrocytes is reduced to 1T/l. In addition, the number of leukocytes and platelets decreases.

Types of thalassemia

In medical practice, there are three types of anemia: hemolytic, immune, non-immune. But one of important species is iron refractory anemia.

The latter type occurs due to a lack of enzymes involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin. The iron level remains normal. main reason- this is an incorrect digestibility of this element.

Symptoms of iron refractory anemia:

  • frequent headaches and shortness of breath;
  • tinnitus and regular dizziness;
  • state of drowsiness;
  • painful palpitations;
  • weakness and sleep disturbance.

At high content blood may develop hemosiderosis (deposition of iron due to its excess).

Iron refractory anemia is diagnosed by examining clinical analysis. With this type of disease, the cirrhosis is reduced to 0.4-0.6 erythrocytes have a different shape and size, their number does not correspond to the norm. In addition, sideroblasts are formed in the bone marrow - some cells around which a corolla of iron is formed, their number can reach up to 70% at a rate of 2.0 to 4.6%.

Experts have not yet found a way to cure this disease. However, there is an alternative - replacement therapy by infusion of red blood cells.

Causes affecting the development of other anemias

Consider the causes and treatment of other types of anemia. B12 deficiency anemia is caused by an insufficient amount of the vitamin. Usually this element enters the human body with food. Vitamin deficiency causes disease. Most often, deficiency anemia occurs in vegetarians and pregnant women, as well as people with oncology and the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of the disease:

  • slow reaction;
  • numbness of the limbs;
  • staggering gait;
  • partial memory loss;
  • difficulty swallowing food;
  • enlargement of the liver.

Diagnosed with B12 deficiency anemia clinically. Giant-sized erythrocytes are formed in the blood - short-lived. They are brightly colored and pear-shaped.

Treatment occurs in stages. First of all, you need to establish the gastrointestinal system by balanced nutrition rich in vitamin B12.

There are many types of anemia. We've covered the most basic ones. The manifestation of any signs of anemia requires an urgent visit to the doctor. He will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In addition, experts recommend regularly donating blood for hemoglobin. Life expectancy depends on health.

Anemia is not a separate disease, but a whole group of clinical and hematological syndromes, which are united by one common point - a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood serum. In this case, most often there is a simultaneous decrease in the number of red blood cells (or their total volume). Anemia is considered as one of the symptoms of various pathological conditions. In this article, we will talk about the symptoms of this condition, the causes of its development, as well as methods of correction and prevention.

Symptoms

All types of anemia have several characteristic manifestations including dizziness, severe weakness, blurred vision and coordination, "ringing" in the ears, the onset of nausea, sticky sweat, fainting, in addition, there is a decrease in blood pressure, increased breathing and heart rate, and other symptoms.

Causes

Anemia is the result of a lack of vitamins or iron, it develops as a result of bleeding, as well as destruction (hemolysis) or a reduction in the lifespan of red blood cells in the blood serum (they usually live for about four months). In addition, this pathological condition may occur due to hereditary or acquired diseases and defects.

In order to correctly determine the cause of anemia, you need to pay attention to concomitant symptoms. For example, jaundice, which occurs with a sharp increase in the breakdown of hemoglobin, indicates a hemolytic process. Black-colored stools indicate bleeding in the intestines. There are several types of anemia, and each of them needs individual approach to correction.

Varieties of anemia

The most common type of this pathological condition is considered to be iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency leads to the fact that the human bone marrow begins to produce small and pale red blood cells, which contain little hemoglobin. This disease is especially common among women of childbearing age, due to menstrual blood loss, and also as a result of the body's increasing need for iron during the period of expectation.

Pernicious anemia is a classic manifestation of a deficiency in the body of such a vitamin as B12. Particularly sensitive to the lack of this substance are the tissues of the nervous system and the bone marrow. If a person does not receive adequate treatment, they develop nerve degeneration and anemia. This type of this pathological condition is especially characteristic of adults and is associated with atrophy of the stomach.

Anemia with blood loss. A significant number of red blood cells can be lost along with the blood during unnoticed or prolonged bleeding. It can occur with lesions of the gastrointestinal system, for example, with gastritis, hemorrhoids, ulcers and cancer.

Anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells. This type of disease is the result of the destruction of red blood cells. It includes such subspecies as autoimmune, hemolytic, and thalassemia.

hemolytic anemia. In some cases, the bone marrow simply cannot fully perform its functions and does not produce a sufficient number of cells, especially if early destruction of red blood cells occurs. Hemolytic anemia can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as infections or certain medications. The impetus for its development can be stress factors, for example, the bite of a poisonous insect or snake.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is manifested by an attack by the immune system of its own red blood cells, which are mistaken for foreign organisms. The destruction of these blood cells can also be triggered by clotting disorders, vascular grafts, tumors, severe burns, chemical substances and etc.

Sickle cell anemia is caused by the destruction of red blood cells as a result of genetic defects or hereditary diseases.

Thalassemia is a particularly severe form of anemia, in which the destruction of red blood cells is observed, as well as the deposition of iron in the skin and various vital organs.

Treatment

Therapeutic measures directly depend on the nature of the disease. An excellent effect is provided by the administration of certain deficient substances, for example, vitamin B12 (with pernicious anemia) or iron (with iron deficiency form of the disease). If anemia is due to some decrease in the production of red blood cells due to some chronic disease, then it is usually not very pronounced and does not need special correction. In this case, the treatment of the underlying disease has a beneficial effect on the restoration of the quantity and quality of red blood cells.

Prevention

In order to prevent anemia, you should eat a varied and proper diet, walk an hour a day, and also carefully monitor all changes in your health and, if necessary, apply for medical assistance. In order to know the level of your hemoglobin, it is recommended to take a complete blood count at least once a year. For those who are at risk (pregnant women and women who have just given birth, as well as people with long periods), this should be done more often - twice a year.

It is important to regularly treat diseases that may cause bleeding from the nose, intestines or stomach.



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