Starting Point: Diagnostic Flow
This section provides an interactive flowchart to guide the initial diagnosis of anemia based on the two most important parameters: Mean Body Volume (MCV) and Reticulocyte count. Use the filters to explore possible etiologies and guide your next diagnostic steps.
Classification of Anemias
Explore the different ways to classify anemia. Morphological classification, based on the size of the red blood cell (VCM), is the first step in the study. The etiological classification is based on the mechanism that produces anemia. Click on each category to see the main causes and ranges of VAW by age.
Diagnostic Approach
An accurate diagnosis is essential and is based on three pillars: a detailed history, a complete physical examination, and targeted laboratory testing. This section offers a summary of the key points to investigate, a visual tool to compare laboratory profiles, and an interactive clinical case to test your skills.
Pillars of Diagnosis
Laboratory Profiles Compared
Select an anemia type from the menu to display the characteristic laboratory profile. This will help you differentiate between conditions with similar clinical presentations.
Interactive Clinical Case: Infant with Anemia
A 12-month-old infant, fed predominantly with cow's milk since he was 6 months old, presents with progressive paleness and easy fatigue. In his blood count: Hb 8.5 g/dL, MCV 68 fL, elevated RDW, normal reticulocytes. Serum ferritin: 8 ng/mL.
Key Findings:
- **Paleness and fatigue:** Classic symptoms of anemia.
- **Diet:** Predominance of cow's milk, low in iron.
- **VCM 68 fL:** Microcytosis.
- **Elevated RDW:** Characteristic of iron deficiency anemia.
- **Normal reticulocytes:** They indicate hypoproliferation (bone marrow does not compensate).
- **Serum ferritin 8 ng/mL:** Very low, confirming depletion of iron reserves.
Most likely diagnosis:
Severe iron deficiency anemia.
Therapeutic Approach
Treatment of anemia should always be directed at the underlying cause. Here you will find summaries of therapeutic approaches for the most common forms of anemia in pediatrics. Click on each condition to see treatment details.
Self-assessment questionnaire
Test your knowledge with this 10-question quiz. Upon completion, you will be able to see your score and correct answers. It's a great way to consolidate the key concepts in this guide.