CHAPTER4

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*CHAPTER 4Pathophysiologyand differential diagnosisof anaemiaJean-Fran ois Lambert, Photis (108-141):EBMT2008 4-12-2009 16:05 Pagina 1081. Definition and classification of anaemiasAnaemia is a common condition, particularly in young women and in the geriatricpopulation, and is a significant public health problem in developing is defined by the World Health Organisation as haemoglobin (Hb) < 120g/L in women and Hb < 130 g/L in men. This definition also includes the so-calledpseudo anaemic states (pregnancy, cardiac heart failure and hyperproteinaemia) whereHb concentration falls as the result of an increase of the plasma volume. Incontrast, a decreased red blood cell mass can be masked by haemoconcentrationresulting from a decrease in plasma deficiency is the most frequent cause of anaemia, closely followed by anaemiaof chronic disease (Figure 1).There are a number of different ways of classifying anaemia. Until recentlyclassification was based on the red blood size (MCV), but since the introduction ofthe automated reticulocyte count, which provides an easy way to assess red bloodcell (RBC) regeneration, one can now differentiate between hyporegenerative andregenerative anaemia.

1.Definitionandclassificationofanaemias Anaemiaisacommoncondition,particularlyinyoungwomenandinthegeriatric population, and is a significant public health problem in developing countries.