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Which lab markers are elevated in Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemias?
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Elevated serum homocysteine and elevated methylmalonic acid (specific to Vitamin B12 deficiency).
What distinguishes Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms from folate deficiency symptoms?
Vitamin B12 deficiency includes neurological issues such as peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, and cognitive disturbances, whereas folate deficiency does not cause neurological symptoms.
What is the main cause of iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is primarily caused by insufficient iron, which is essential for hemoglobin production.
What are the critical elements required for erythropoiesis?
Critical elements for erythropoiesis include Iron, Vitamin B12, Folate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), and Amino acids.
What clinical features are specific to iron deficiency anemia?
Specific clinical features include Pica, restless legs syndrome, and koilonychia.
What is the importance of regular monitoring in managing nutritional anemias?
Regular monitoring ensures treatment efficacy, prevents recurrence, and helps identify and manage the underlying cause effectively.
What role does hepcidin play in iron metabolism?
Hepcidin, produced by the liver, regulates iron egress from enterocytes to plasma. High hepcidin levels block iron release, while low levels enhance iron absorption.
What is the pathophysiology of hemoglobin formation in iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency impairs hemoglobin production as hemoglobin consists of heme (iron-containing) and globin (protein chains).
What are the primary types of nutritional anemias?
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and Folate deficiency anemia.
Which food sources are rich in Vitamin B12?
Animal products such as liver, meat, eggs, and dairy are rich in Vitamin B12.
What is the standard treatment for iron deficiency anemia?
Standard treatment includes iron supplementation (200 mg elemental iron/day) and correcting the underlying cause, such as addressing dietary changes or bleeding issues.
What are common features of macrocytic anemia due to Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency?
Macrocytic anemia features include enlarged red blood cells (MCV >100) and hypersegmented neutrophils.
List the laboratory findings typical of iron deficiency anemia.
Low serum ferritin, low serum iron, elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), increased transferrin receptors, and the presence of microcytic, hypochromic cells in blood smear.
Describe the erythropoiesis process.
Erythropoiesis involves the development stages from stem cells to mature erythrocytes, including Proerythroblast, Early erythroblast, Late erythroblast, Reticulocyte, and Erythrocyte, taking about 5-7 days.
How is dietary iron absorbed in the body?
Dietary iron is absorbed in the duodenum and upper jejunum and is stored in the body as ferritin and hemosiderin in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
How is Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia treated?
It is treated with Vitamin B12 injections (1000 µg IM daily for 10 days, then monthly), and monitoring for neurological symptoms.
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