A very concise set of notes covering the important aspects of blood & nutrition required to pass the GPhC exam. Topics include:
- Anaemias
- Electrolytes & Imbalances
- Vitamins & Imbalances
ANAEMIAS
OVERVIEW:
- Anaemia: when Hb levels in blood fall below normal levels – can be due to:
o Less RBCs in blood
o Less functional Hb in each RBC
- Either way, there’s less oxygenated blood available for tissues
TYPES OF ANAEMIA:
1- Fe-deficiency (IDA) – due to menstruation, pregnancy, malabsorption (e.g. coeliac)
2- Chronic Kidney Disease (ACKD) – renal dysfunction less erythropoietin synthesis
less action on bone marrow less erythropoiesis
3- Megaloblastic anaemia (folate or B12 deficiency) – reduced availability of
haematinics needed for healthy erythropoiesis – due to drug ADRs (MTX) &
malabsorption
4- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency – genetic mutation
deficiency in G6PD enzyme less protection of RBCs from ROS eryptosis
haemolytic anaemia
5- Sickle cell anaemia – mutation sickle-shaped Hb undergo agglomeration in
deoxygenated states sickling & reduced flexibility of RBCs vascular occlusion
hypoxia pain crisis
IRON-DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA – Most common type of anaemia
CAUSES:
- Menorrhagia (most common cause)
- Pregnancy (more blood redirected for foetal growth)
- Malabsorption state (IBDs, Coeliac disease, Gastrectomy)
Very uncommon for healthy men & post-menopausal women to develop IDA (unless they
have a gastric issue)
, ORAL IRON REPLACEMENT – Ferrous Salts
TYPES:
- Ferrous Sulphate – 65mg elemental Fe (best absorption but harshest GI ADRs)
- Ferrous Fumarate – 65mg elemental Fe
- Ferrous Gluconate – 35mg elemental Fe
Difference in absorption is MINIMAL between the salts – choice depends on pt.’s
tolerance to ADRs and cost of medicine
DOSE:
- TREAT IDA: 100-200mg elemental Fe daily e.g.
o Ferrous sulphate 200mg BD-TDS
This dose is to be continued for 3 months after restoring normal Fe levels
- PREVENT IDA: normally ONE dose daily e.g.
o Ferrous sulphate 200mg OD
This dose is to be continued for as long as the pt has risk factors for IDA e.g. IBDs (then
may be taken lifelong)
SIDE EFFECTS:
- GASTRO ADRs: constipation, loss of appetite, epigastric pain
- Darkened/black stools: most Fe is excreted (i.e. not absorbed)
COUNSELLING POINTS:
- Absorption best when on empty stomach (if tolerated)
- If GI ADRs are not tolerated – still safe to take with food
- Vit. C promotes absorption – take with orange juice (although not necessary)
- Avoid Ca2+- rich foods & caffeine with doses – leave TWO HOUR GAP
- Not all IDA symptoms will be treated at the same time e.g.
o Headaches & fatigue may clear within a few days
o Cheilitis & glossitis may clear within a few weeks
PARENTERAL IRON – Iron Sucrose, Iron Dextran
WHEN IS PARENTETAL Fe USED:
- Used when oral therapy is UNSUCCESSFUL – many CAUSES:
o Pt intolerant of GI effects
o Oral doses too low to offset Fe-loss through menorrhagia
o Severe malabsorption state
- Also given alongside IV cytotoxics (due to their myelosuppressive effects)
Parenteral Fe does NOT work any faster than oral Fe – only advantage is that higher doses
can be given (bypasses the issue of GI absorption) & there’s no GI ADRs
ANAPHYLAXIS – serious SIDE EFFECT of parenteral Fe:
- Can occur even if pt did not have a HS reaction on previous exposure
- RISK FACTORS:
o Pts with ATOPY (e.g. asthma, eczema – already have hypersensitive immune system)
o Pts with any known allergy
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