Anemia

Abstract: Anemia facts are presented in guidebook form as an instructional aid for health professionals and auxiliary personnel involved in the care of anemic patients. Separate attention is given to a variety of topics associated with the phenomena of anemia. Nutritional aspects discussed include iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Biological anomalies include a variety of disease and genetic disorders: sideroblastic, hemolytic, autoimmune hemolytic and sickle cell anemia; other hemoglobinopathies; thalassemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency; and hereditary spherocytosis. Clinically-induced or related manifestations are specifically discussed: fragmentation hemolytic anemia, hypersplenism, aplastic anemia, chronic disease anemia; and infiltrative disorders. Blood transfusions and instances of blood excess also are covered. Individual patient cases are discussed in relation to the specific anemias. (wz).