Erythrocyte Disorders

1. Anemias - a symptom that results when blood has lower than normal ability to carry oxygen
   

1. Insufficient erythrocyte count
   

1. hemorrhagic anemia - loss of blood from bleeding (wound, ulcer, etc.)
2. hemolytic anemia - erythrocytes rupture (hemoglobin/transfusion problems, infection)
3. aplastic anemia - red marrow problems (cancer treatment, marrow disease, etc.)
   

2. Decrease in Hemoglobin
   

1. iron-deficiency anemia - low Iron levels (diet, absorption, bleeding, etc.)
2. pernicious anemia - low Vitamin B12 (diet, intrinsic factor for Vit B absorption)

3. Abnormal Hemoglobin (usually genetic)
   

1. thalassemia - easily ruptured RBCs (Greek & Italian genetic link)
2. sickle-cell anemia - sickle-shaped RBCs (genetic Africa, Asia, southern Europe link)

2. Polycythemia - excess RBC count, causes thick blood
   

1. polycythemia vera - bone marrow problem; hematocrit may jump to 80%
   
2. secondary polycythemia - high altitude (normal); or too much erythropoietin release
   
3. blood doping in athletes - RBCs previously withdrawn are transfused before an event; more RBCs, more oxygen delivery to the body

Category: Pathology Notes