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Anemia Pathophysiology Video
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Video at a Glance
- Anemias caused by red blood cell destruction are typically due to red blood cell malformation, including congenital abnormalities, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
- Anemias due to red blood cell destruction may also be caused by autoimmune diseases.
- Anemias caused by decreased red blood cell production may be caused by congenital factors but are more commonly caused by acquired factors, such as vitamin deficiencies or bone marrow dysfunction.
- Pernicious anemia due to decreased red blood cell destruction may occur because of decreased vitamin B12 levels.
- B12 is typically absorbed in the small bowel and needs an intrinsic factor (IF) to cross the gut’s mucosa. In pernicious anemia, there’s an inhibition of IF production that decreases B12 levels.
- The treatment for pernicious anemia is subcutaneous B12 administration.
- Another vitamin deficiency is a folate deficiency caused by malnourishment or alcohol abuse.
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