Zaco's Hematology Notes

Hematology

Anemia, General Principles
• Definition à Hb < 13.5 g/dL (Hct < 40) in men or Hb < 12 g/dL (Hct < 37) in women • Most useful classification of anemia (based on MCV or mean corpuscular volume): 1. Microcytic (MCV < 80) à Iron-deficiency anemia, sideroblastic anemia, anemia of chronic disease, lead poisoning, thalassemia 2. Normocytic (MCV 80-100) à aplastic anemia, anemia of chronic disease, myelofibrosis/bone marrow infiltration, chronic renal failure, hemolytic anemia, early stages of iron-deficiency anemia, hemorrhage 3. Macrocytic (MCV > 100) à megaloblastic anemia (vitamin B12 and/or folate
deficiency; drug-induced), liver disease, myelodysplasia, reticulocytosis