Anaemia: Approach to diagnosis

N Alli; J Vaughan; M Patel

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2017.v107i1.12148

Continuing Medical Education

Anaemia: Approach to diagnosis

N Alli, J Vaughan, M Patel

Abstract

Anaemia is defined as a condition in which the number of red cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiological needs. It is the most common disorder globally and one of the conditions that general practitioners most frequently encounter. In the World Health Organization global database, anaemia is estimated to affect 1.6 billion people. As anaemia manifests in a wide range of conditions, it is important to embrace a structured diagnostic approach. The recommended approach set out in this article incorporates clinical and pathophysiological considerations, red cell characteristics, and bone marrow activity. In this issue of CME, the first of two parts on anaemia, the causes of anaemia related specifically to decreased red cell production are discussed.

Authors' affiliations

N Alli, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa

J Vaughan, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa

M Patel, Department of Clinical Haematology, Division of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, and School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa