Anemia

Treatment

Hb <6 --> almost always transfuse

Hb >10 --> almost never transfuse

DDX

1. Hemorrhage
2. Destruction (hemolytic)
   1. Hereditary
   2. Acquired
3. Impaired Production
   1. Hypochromic (microcytic)
      1. Fe deff, chronic disease, thalassemias, sideroblastic
   2. Aplastic/myelodysplastic (normocytic)
      1. marrow failure, chemicals (ETOH), radiation, infection (HIV, parvo), RF
   3. Megaloblastic (macrocytic)
      1. vit B12/folate def, drugs (chemo), HIV

Source

1/26/06 DONALDSON (adapted from Tintinalli's)