Abstract
DefinitionAnemia is a reduction of the red cell mass below the normal range resulting in a reduction in the ability of the blood to deliver oxygen to tissues. According to severity and duration of hypoxia, distinctive signs and symptoms as well as compensatory cardiovascular responses are developed. PathogenesisAnemia is the result of one or more combinations of the following mechanisms: blood loss, decreased red blood cell production or increased destruction of erythrocytes (hemolysis). DiagnosisAnemia is diagnosed when hemoglobin levels are “lower limit of normal” offered by the WHO committee. However, because its clinical relevance, this lower limit must be individualized in the clinical context of each patient. General diagnostic algorithms can be used in order to reach a differential diagnosis. Full clinical history and thorough physical examination, along with basic laboratory studies including, among others, complete blood count (blood smear, reticulocytes, Coombs test and iron levels) allow reaching initial differential diagnosis among: microcytic, normocytic or macrocytic anemia (morphological criteria) and regenerative or central anemia (etiopathogenesis).
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