Unit-III, Human Anatomy & Physiology-I, Anemia-definition, types, causes, symptoms & management.pptx

Students will get the knowledge of :
Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin, the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen. This deficiency reduces the blood's ability to deliver oxygen to tissues, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Anemia can result from various causes, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, genetic disorders, or blood loss.

1. Definition, causes, types & management of Anemia For B. Pharm. 1 st semester By Vishal Singh Assistant Professor, Krishna Institute of Pharmacy & Sciences- Kanpur

2. Definition & Types Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of  red blood cells (RBCs)  or  hemoglobin , the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen. This deficiency reduces the blood's ability to deliver oxygen to tissues, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Anemia can result from various causes, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, genetic disorders, or blood loss . Types: Iron- deficiency anemia Vitamin-deficiency anemia Hemolytic anemia Aplastic anemia Sickle cell anemia Thalassemia

3. Iron – Deficiency Anemia The most common type of anemia, caused by insufficient iron to produce hemoglobin. Causes: Inadequate dietary intake of iron (e.g., vegetarian or vegan diets). Chronic blood loss (e.g., heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding). Poor iron absorption (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn's disease). Increased iron demand (e.g., pregnancy, growth spurts in children). Symptoms: Fatigue and weakness Pale skin and mucous membranes Shortness of breath Brittle nails and hair loss Pica (craving for non-food items like ice or dirt) Management: Iron supplements:   Oral or intravenous iron. Dietary changes:  Include iron-rich foods like red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals. Treat underlying cause:   Address sources of blood loss (e.g., treat ulcers or heavy menstrual bleeding ).

4. Vitamin-Deficiency Anemia Anemia caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, which are essential for RBC production. Causes: Vitamin B12 deficiency: Poor dietary intake (e.g., vegan diet). Malabsorption (e.g., pernicious anemia, Crohn's disease). Folate deficiency: Poor dietary intake (e.g., lack of green leafy vegetables). Increased demand (e.g., pregnancy). Malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease ).

5. Vitamin-Deficiency Anemia Symptoms: Fatigue and weakness Pale or yellowish skin Shortness of breath Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (B12 deficiency) Glossitis (swollen tongue) Cognitive changes (e.g., memory loss, confusion) Management: Vitamin B12 supplements:  Oral, intramuscular, or nasal. Folate supplements:  Oral folic acid. Dietary changes:  Include foods rich in B12 (e.g., meat, fish, dairy) and folate (e.g., leafy greens, citrus fruits).

6. Hemolytic  Anemia A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. Causes: Inherited causes: Sickle cell anemia. Thalassemia. Hereditary spherocytosis. Acquired causes: Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus). Infections (e.g., malaria). Medications or toxins. Blood transfusion reactions.

7. Hemolytic  Anemia Symptoms: Fatigue and weakness Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) Dark urine Enlarged spleen Rapid heart rate Management: Treat underlying cause:  Discontinue offending medications, treat infections. Immunosuppressants :  For autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Blood transfusions:  For severe anemia. Splenectomy :  Removal of the spleen in certain cases.

8. Aplastic Anemia A rare condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Causes: Autoimmune disorders. Exposure to toxins (e.g., pesticides, chemotherapy). Viral infections (e.g., hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus). Genetic disorders (e.g., Fanconi anemia). Symptoms: Fatigue and weakness Frequent infections Easy bruising or bleeding Pale skin Shortness of breath Management : Bone marrow transplant:  Curative treatment for eligible patients. Immunosuppressive therapy:  For autoimmune causes. Blood transfusions:  To manage symptoms. Stimulants:   Medications to stimulate bone marrow (e.g., erythropoietin).

9. Sickle – Cell Anemia A genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, leading to blockages in blood flow and tissue damage . Cause: Inherited mutation in the hemoglobin gene . Symptoms: Fatigue and weakness Painful episodes (sickle cell crises) Swelling in hands and feet Frequent infections Delayed growth in children Management : Pain management:  Analgesics for sickle cell crises. Hydroxyurea:  Reduces frequency of crises. Blood transfusions:  For severe anemia. Bone marrow transplant:  Potentially curative.

10. Thalassemia A group of inherited disorders characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production, leading to anemia . Cause: Inherited mutation in the hemoglobin synthesis. Symptoms: Fatigue and weakness Pale or yellowish skin Facial bone deformities (in severe cases) Enlarged spleen Slow growth in children Management : Blood transfusions:  Regular transfusions to maintain hemoglobin levels. Iron chelation therapy:  To remove excess iron from repeated transfusions. Bone marrow transplant:  Curative option for severe cases.

11. Anemia of Chronic Disease Anemia associated with chronic inflammatory or infectious diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or kidney disease . Cause: Chronic inflammation or infection. Impaired iron utilization. Reduced production of erythropoietin (in kidney disease ). Symptoms: Fatigue and weakness Pale skin Shortness of breath Symptoms of the underlying chronic disease Management : Treat underlying disease:  Address the primary condition. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs):  For anemia related to kidney disease. Iron supplements:  If iron deficiency is also present.

12. Erythroblastosis Fetalis Erythroblastosis fetalis, also known as   hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) , is a condition where a mother's antibodies attack and destroy the red blood cells of her fetus or newborn. This occurs due to blood group incompatibility, most commonly  Rh incompatibility  (mother is Rh-negative, and fetus is Rh-positive ). Cause: Rh incompatibility:  Mother's immune system produces antibodies against the Rh-positive blood of the fetus. ABO incompatibility:  Less severe, occurs when the mother's blood type is O and the fetus's blood type is A, B, or AB. Sensitization during a previous pregnancy, miscarriage, or blood transfusion.

13. Erythroblastosis Fetalis Symptoms: In the fetus: Anemia Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) Enlarged liver or spleen Hydrops fetalis (severe fluid buildup in tissues) In the newborn: Severe jaundice Pale skin Difficulty breathing Swelling (edema ) Management : Prevention: Rh immunoglobulin ( RhoGAM ):   Given to Rh-negative mothers during pregnancy and after delivery to prevent sensitization. During Pregnancy: Monitor fetal health with ultrasounds and blood tests. Intrauterine blood transfusions for severe anemia. After Birth: Phototherapy for jaundice. Exchange transfusion for severe cases. Treat anemia with blood transfusions if necessary.

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