Anemia Foundations
This hormone is released by the kidney in response to hypoxia and stimulates RBC production in the bone marrow.
What is erythropoietin (EPO)?
Which oral iron preparation contains the highest elemental iron per tablet?
What is ferrous fumarate (106 mg elemental iron)?
These agents act as agonists at erythropoietin receptors on RBC progenitors.
What are erythrocyte stimulating agents (epoetin drugs)?
A CKD patient has symptomatic anemia due to low endogenous EPO production. This class of drugs would be most appropriate.
What are erythrocyte stimulating agents?
This metallic or “nickel” taste in the mouth is a classic adverse effect of this antibiotic.
What is clarithromycin?
A patient with iron deficiency anemia most commonly presents with RBCs that are described as this.
What are microcytic, hypochromic RBCs?
This is the mechanism of action of cyanocobalamin in the treatment of megaloblastic anemia secondary to pernicious anemia.
What is “Needed for DNA synthesis during erythropoiesis. Replaces deficient B12 → normal RBC maturation”?
Hydroxyurea works in sickle cell disease by increasing production of this type of hemoglobin.
What is fetal hemoglobin (HbF)?
A patient receiving an erythropoietin agent develops elevated blood pressure and a DVT. These are the two most common complications of this drug class.
What are hypertension and thrombosis?
Iron should NOT routinely be given in this type of anemia because iron from destroyed RBCs is recycled.
What is hemolytic anemia?
This vitamin deficiency can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
What is Vitamin B12 deficiency?
In pernicious anemia, antibodies against this gastric protein prevent terminal ileum absorption of a vitamin necessary for erythropoiesis.
What is intrinsic factor?
Crizanlizumab improves blood flow in sickle cell disease by blocking this endothelial adhesion molecule.
What is P-selectin?
A patient receiving chemotherapy develops neutropenia. Which medication stimulates AND works specifically on neutrophils?
What is filgrastim (G-CSF)?
This oral iron counseling point improves absorption the most.
What is taking iron on an empty stomach with water or juice?
This type of anemia occurs when RBCs continue to grow but cannot undergo mitosis due to impaired DNA synthesis.
What is megaloblastic anemia?
Treating folate deficiency before ruling out Vitamin B12 deficiency may correct anemia while allowing progression of this.
What is irreversible neurological damage?
This iron chelator is given parenterally and binds excess iron for excretion in urine and feces.
What is deferoxamine (Desferal)?
A patient with sickle cell disease has recurrent painful vaso-occlusive crises. Which medication may reduce painful crises but takes 3–6 months to work?
What is hydroxyurea?
An erythropoietin agent should generally not raise hemoglobin by more than this amount over a 2-week period.
What is 1 g/dL?
Empiric treatment of megaloblastic anemia requires treatment with BOTH of these because the cause may be unclear.
What are Vitamin B12 and folic acid?
A patient with chronic alcohol use disorder develops megaloblastic anemia without neurologic symptoms. The prescribed therapy improves hematologic function through this mechanism.
What is “Required for purine & pyrimidine synthesis → DNA synthesis → RBC maturation”?
This rescue agent is given to reduce methotrexate toxicity.
What is leucovorin (citrovorum factor)?
A patient with macrocytic anemia, numbness, and prior gastric surgery most likely has this diagnosis.
What is pernicious anemia / Vitamin B12 deficiency?
DAILY DOUBLE!!
Name the TWO most testable adverse effects of erythrocyte stimulating agents emphasized in lecture.
What are hypertension and thrombosis?