ANEMIA


Anemia is low level of hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood for one’s age and sex. Alterations in the level of Hb may result of changes in plasma volume. Decreased plasma volume as in dehydration and stress polycythemia leads to a surprisingly high Hb, and a raised plasma volume even when accompanied with a small increase in red cell volume as seen in pregnancy leads to a spurious anemia (low Hb).
After a major hemorrhage, anemia may not be apparent until after some days when plasma levels come back to normal.
There are various types of anemia classified in relation to red cell indices, particularly the mcv include

-          Hypochromic microcytic with a low MCV
-          Normochromic normocytic with normal MCV
-          Macrocytic with a high MCV

They are represented in the diagram below




Clinical features


ALSO SEE:   complete blood count   leukemia     paracervical block


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