Anemia Basics

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Anemia Basics

What is anemia?

Anemia develops when there are not enough healthy red blood cells in the body. This condition can be

detected when there is a below-normal level of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich

protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. If you have anemia,

your body doesnt get enough oxygen-rich blood. As a result, you may feel tired or have other symptoms

depending on the severity of anemia. People with severe anemia may feel tired, fatigued or experience

shortness of breath which can cause problems carrying out routine activities. Anemia can be a

temporary condition, a consequence of other health conditions, or it can be a chronic problem. Many

mild types of anemia can be easily treated, however, certain types of anemia may be severe, long

lasting, and life threatening if not diagnosed and treated.

Also, check out the Blood and Bone Marrow Basics interactive tutorial which gives basic information

about blood, blood tests, and bone marrow tests. It explains the different types of blood cells, how they

are made, and discusses some of the different types of blood tests and bone marrow tests your doctor

might order.

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Causes of Anemia

What types of anemia does NAAC focus on?

NAAC focuses on anemia that is caused by iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, aging, surgery or by

acquired chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, heart

disease, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis. These types of anemia are known as iron

deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. NAAC has numerous

resources devoted to these types of anemia, including the basic education in our Information Handouts,


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Anemia FAQs, Symptoms Quiz, and the interactive tutorial Blood & Bone Marrow Basics. For a more in-

depth look at anemia as it relates to specific conditions, check out some of the other Feature Articles.

Hereditary Causes of Anemia

Check out NAAC's feature article on the Hereditary Causes of Anemia.

Are some types of anemia inherited?

Certain hereditary variations in a persons genes can lead to incorrect or decreased production of red

blood cells. This can cause red blood cells to not last as long in the blood, not be as effective

transporting oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body, or not be created at all. Somehereditary types of anemia include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, Diamond Blackfan anemia, and

Fanconi anemia. Other hereditary conditions which can lead to anemia include Shwachman Diamond

syndrome, red cell membrane disorders, G6PD deficiency, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia,

dyskeratosis congenita, congenital dyserythropoietic anemias, and congenital B12 malabsorption

syndromes. Read more about these conditions in the article Hereditary Causes of Anemia.

Which people are at the highest risk for anemia?

Groups of individuals who are at risk for developing anemia include:

Infants who do not receive an adequate amount of iron in their diet

Children going through a rapid growth spurt, during which the iron available cannot keep up with the

need for more red blood cells

Women in childbearing years who have an excessive need for iron because of blood loss during

menstruation

Pregnant women, in whom the growing fetus creates a high demand for iron

People with renal failure, an ongoing gastrointestinal blood loss, or individuals with leukemia or cancer

who must receive chemotherapy or radiation to treat their disease are also at-risk for developing

anemia. The drugs or radiation used to treat some of these diseases frequently suppress the bone

marrow's ability to make red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.


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In addition, many individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or

chronic infections, may become anemic through a combination of an inadequate supply of iron for red

blood cell production and bone marrow suppression. We now recognize that the increased anemia seen

in the elderly may be a form of bone marrow suppression from chronic inflammation. Recognition andtreatment of the anemia in the elderly has gained clinical interest because correcting the anemia may

have beneficial effects on quality of life.

Can certain medications cause a person to become anemic?

Yes, medications can cause anemia for many different reasons. For example, chemotherapeutic agents

often cause anemia because they the bone marrow's ability to manufacture red blood cells, hemoglobin

is carried by RBC's, If there are not enough RBC's, the body does not get the right amount of oxygen.

Other types of medication-induced anemia are usually unpredictable, and not well understood (such as

drug induced aplastic anemia). Some patients react to drugs because of inherited susceptibility, such as

patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency. G-6-PD is an important enzyme

that buffers the mature red cell against oxidative stress. In individuals who are deficient in G-6-PD,

exposure to certain chemicals, drugs, or even some foods will result in the alteration of hemoglobin and

breakdown of red blood cells.

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Symptoms of Anemia

What are the symptoms of anemia?

Anemia can make you feel tired, fatigued, weak, dizzy, irritable, short of breath or depressed. With

anemia, you may also have pale skin, brittle nails, chest pain, a coldness in your hands or feet, or an

irregular heartbeat. Some people with anemia also have a desire to eat ice or other peculiar things,

experience sexual dysfunction, or have trouble concentrating or performing mental tasks.

NAAC Feature Articles


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What is Anemia? This article describes the medical explanations for why anemia develops. It also

describes anemia symptoms.

Anemia: Reporting Symptoms and Finding a Cause This article talks about what patients should know

about anemia, it's symptoms and diagnosis if they have been told they are anemic by their doctor.

Will I always notice symptoms if I have anemia?

Patients with mild anemia may not experience any symptoms, or the symptoms may be so mild that

they are not noticeable. As anemia becomes more severe, symptoms can get worse. However, if your

anemia develops rapidly, you may notice the symptoms right away.

For many people, anemia symptoms can also develop slowly because the body adapts to the condition

and reduces the effect of the symptoms. As anemia reduces the amount of oxygen blood can transport,

the heart pumps harder to distribute enough oxygen throughout the body. Although this increase in

pumping by the heart may delay the onset of symptoms, the muscle of the heart wall thickens under

this increased strain, resulting in a condition called left ventricular hypertrophy. As anemia becomes

more severe, your body can no longer compensate and the symptoms may become more noticeable.1

Does chewing ice represent a symptom of anemia?

Yes, a desire to chew ice is a sign that you may have an iron deficiency and that you could be anemic.

This type of abnormal craving for non-food items is called pica. Ice eating is the most common, but

eating starch, paper or clay are also common forms of pica and patients will not usually volunteer this

type of behavior. Why this craving emerges in iron deficient people is not known. If you recognize a

desire to eat these items, or any non-traditional foods, be sure to talk with your doctor about your

cravings and habits.

How can my doctor know what is causing my symptoms?


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There is no sure way to know if the symptoms you are experiencing are directly caused by anemia. To

find out if you have anemia, your doctor or healthcare professional will need to accurately determine

your hemoglobin level by completing a complete blood count (CBC) test. If the results indicate you have

anemia, the symptoms you feel may be caused by this lack of oxygen. If your symptoms are relieved

after your anemia is corrected, there is a very good chance that anemia was causing these symptoms.

I have been diagnosed with anemia and my doctor has started treatment; how long will it take for my

symptoms to improve?

How quickly your symptoms decline depends on the severity of anemia at the beginning of treatment

and the kind of treatment you are receiving. Close communication with your doctor will help him or her

provide the treatment that is best for you based on what is causing the anemia. It is important to discuss

the risks and benefits of all treatment options with your doctor before beginning treatment.

If you received a red blood cell transfusion, your hemoglobin level may immediately return to the

normal range. The symptoms caused by anemia may also be relieved very quickly.2

Without receiving a blood transfusion, your body must manufacture new red blood cells to reduce the

symptoms related to anemia. It takes about 5-7 days for your body to start making red blood cells. This

can result in an increase in hemoglobin levels within 2-3 weeks of starting treatments with

erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAS), iron supplements, or vitamin supplements.3

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Diagnosing Anemia

Anemic Ranges of Hemoglobin

and Hematocrit ValuesAge/Sex (yrs) Hemoglobin (g/dL) Hematocrit (%)

Children (0.5-4) < 11.0 < 33

Children (5-12) < 11.5 < 35


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Children (12-15) < 12.0 < 36

Adult Men < 13.0 < 39

Non-pregnant Women < 12.0 < 36

Pregnant Women < 11.0 < 33

WHO. Worldwide Prevalence of Anaemia 1993-2005.5

*These are only guidelines and some physicians feel the thresholds should be higher for adults.

At what point are people considered anemic?

Anemia occurs when a patient has a lower than normal amount of red blood cells. Anemia is assessed by

measuring the amount of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that transports and delivers

oxygen throughout your body. A doctor can determine if you are anemic by performing a routine blood

test called a complete blood count (CBC) test, which provides levels for both hemoglobin and hematocrit

(the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample). The measurement of hemoglobin is the most

common method for assessing anemia, although hematocrit values may also be used.4 The normal

value or range for these indicators varies with both gender and age.

Once a diagnosis of anemia is made by your doctor, more tests, such as iron status tests, are often

required to determine the cause of the anemia and the best course of treatment. Anemia is further

categorized as mild, moderate or severe depending how far a patient's hemoglobin level resides below

the normal range. As important, anemia that develops over a short period of time, such as hours to

days, will lead to more symptoms than a case of anemia that slowly develops over months to years.

Severity of AnemiaSeverity Hb Range (g/dL) Symptoms Medical Attention

Mild 9.5-13.0 Often no signs or symptoms Commonly remains untreated

Moderate 8.0-9.5 May present with symptoms Requires management to prevent complications

from developing

Severe < 8.0 Symptoms usually present May be life threatening and requires prompt

management


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Elesevier Oncology. Guide to Oncology Drugs and Regimens 2006.6

What tests might my doctor perform to determine if I have anemia?

If your hemoglobin and hematocrit tests (as described above) indicate that you may have anemia, your

doctor may take additional steps to determine the cause, severity and appropriate treatment for your

condition. Some of those additional steps may include the following examinations.

Physical Examination: The first step in any diagnosis is a physical examination to determine if you have

symptoms of anemia and any complications. Your doctor may also ask you some of the following

questions to determine if you have any conditions that may be causing your anemia:

Have you or anyone in your family suffered from anemia?

Do you experience heavy menstrual bleeding? (women)

Have you ever had blood in your stool or any other signs of bleeding?

What is your usual diet?

Have you ever had an ulcer?

Do you regularly take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs?

Bleeding: Loss of blood, or bleeding is a common cause of anemia. This bleeding may go unrecognized

until you begin to suffer from the anemia. If your doctor suspects a source of bleeding within your body,

several tests may be used to discover the source of the bleeding. One of the first tests ordered is the

fecal occult blood test. This test checks the stool for signs of blood and can detect even small amounts

of blood. This simple, noninvasive test is done by placing a small sample of stool on a chemically treated

card. Then a chemical solution is put on top of the sample. If the card turns blue, there is blood in the

sample.

Vitamin Deficiencies: Your doctor may check the amount of folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin C in your

blood to determine if your anemia is due to a vitamin deficiency.


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Iron Deficiency: Since iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, your doctor may conduct

some blood tests to check the level of iron in your blood. Some common iron status tests are:

Serum ferritin - Ferritin is a protein that helps store iron in the body. Results of this test give doctors a

good idea of how much of the body's stored iron has been used up.

Transferrin level or total iron-binding capacity - Transferrin is a protein that carries iron in the blood.

Total iron-binding capacity measures how much of the transferrin in the blood is not carrying iron.

People with iron-deficiency anemia have a high level of transferrin that is not carrying iron.

Chronic Illness: Because anemia may be the first symptom of a serious illness, determining its cause is

very important. This may be difficult, particularly in the elderly, malnourished, or people with chronic

diseases, whose anemia may be caused by one or more factors.

Treatment: Your doctor will use these and other tests to help determine the best course of treatment

for you.7

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Treating Anemia

Patients Guide to Oral Iron

Check out NAAC's feature article,

A Patient's Guide to Oral Iron.

Is it normal to get an upset stomach, become constipated, or both after taking iron supplements?

Many people who take iron supplements experience side effects that make it difficult to follow the

recommended dosing. It has been estimated that up to 25% of patients who take iron supplements will


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experience side effects in their digestive tract most commonly an upset stomach, constipation, or

both.

Iron supplements are absorbed better if taken one hour before meals. However your doctor may tell

you to take your iron with food to reduce an upset stomach. Also, starting with half the recommended

dose and gradually increasing to the full dose may help minimize these side effects. If iron makes you

constipated, consider taking a stool softener such as docusate sodium along with your iron.

I have been taking the iron supplements my doctor recommended, so why havent my symptoms gone

away?

In order to correct anemia, your body must manufacture new red blood cells to replace those that were

lost. It takes about 5-7 days to start developing red blood cells which should increase hemoglobin levels

within 2-3 weeks of starting iron supplementation. Therapeutic doses of iron (50-60 mg of oral

elemental iron twice daily) should increase hemoglobin levels by 0.7-1.0 g/dL per week.3 You may need

to continue to take an iron supplement for several months in order to build up iron stored in your body

and prevent anemia from returning. Therefore, it is important to take pills for as long as your doctor

recommends, even if your symptoms have lessened or disappeared.

The most common reason iron therapy fails is because doses are not fully taken or they are not taken

properly.8 The amount of iron absorbed decreases as you take larger doses of iron. For this reason, it is

recommended that most people take their iron supplements in two or three equally spaced doses.9 In

order to decrease side effects, iron supplements are often taken with food but it is important to note

this may decrease iron absorption by as much as 40-66%.8 Since you are receiving less iron this way, you

may need to take your supplement for a longer period of time for it to have the same effect.

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Anemia Myths

Is hair loss a consequence of anemia?


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Anemia Myth Busters Feature Articles

NAACs Anemia Myth Busters series discusses some commonly recognized symptoms, causes, behaviors

and acquired conditions which may have correctly or incorrectly become associated with anemia. Check

out the first installment:

#1: Ice Chewing, Hair Loss, Lack of Sleep

Anemia does not cause your hair to fall out either temporarily or permanently. But some patients may

have anemia when something else causes their hair to fall out. This can happen because the same

factors that may lead to anemia, such as vitamin deficiency, hyperthyroidism or cancer chemotherapy,

may cause hair loss; so an association between hair loss and anemia is fairly common. There are several

reasons you may start to lose hair, including a family history of hair loss, diabetes, skin conditions like

lupus erythematosus or lichen planus, certain thyroid conditions, hormonal changes, emotional or

physical stress, excessive use of hair products or hair-styling techniques which pull the hair, poor

nutrition, some extreme diets, and radiation therapy or chemotherapy.40 Discussing unexpected hair

loss and any anemia-related symptoms with your doctor may help him or her provide the treatment that

is best for you based on what is causing your symptoms.

Does a lack of sleep lead to anemia?

A lack of sleep does not directly cause anemia. Some people may, however, think the two are connected

because people with anemia and people who are not getting enough sleep can experience some of the

same symptoms. A few of these overlapping symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, irritability and

lack of concentration. Despite no documented direct link, there is a chance that a reason for missing

sleep, like an illness or general discomfort, could also be contributing to anemia.

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Blood Donation


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I tried to donate blood, but was denied because my blood count (hematocrit value) was too low. What

hematocrit value is required to donate blood? What should I do about my low hematocrit value?

Hematocrit is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample. To donate blood, a

person's hematocrit value must be above the threshold of 38%, a level which is established by the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are found to have a low hematocrit value, you will not be

able to donate blood on that particular day. Having a low hematocrit is the most frequent reason for not

being able to donate blood. It is normal for hematocrit values to vary from day to day or even hour to

hour and values can be influenced by such things as diet, hydration and health issues.

Being deferred from donation due to a low hematocrit does not always mean that you have anemia or a

medical problem. However, if you have been denied from donating blood because of a low hematocrit

value it is possible that you have anemia. Decreased hematocrit often indicates anemia caused by aniron or vitamin deficiency. Further testing may be necessary to determine if you are anemic and if so,

the cause of the anemia. If you find your hematocrit value is low or think you might be anemic, you

should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

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Blood Transfusion

Learning About Blood Transfusions

Current guidelines recommend that medical professionals assess hemoglobin level and severity of

anemia-related symptoms to determine if a patient needs a blood transfusion. More information about

the use of blood can be found in the article Treating Anemia with Red Blood Cell Transfusions.

Why are red blood cell transfusions commonly used to treat some patients with anemia?


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Transfusions of red blood cells are commonly given to patients who have experienced major blood loss

from physical trauma, those who are critically ill, or those who have recently undergone surgery.41 In

these anemic patients blood transfusions are often administered because they may save lives by quickly

increasing blood volume and raising the hemoglobin level to normal or near-normal levels. It is also

common for patients with hemoglobin levels at or below 7-8 g/dL and exhibiting significant fatigue or

other anemia-related symptoms to be given blood transfusions. However, it is extremely important for

your doctor to identify the cause of the anemia and correct it accordingly.

Are there risks for patients receiving blood transfusions?

Blood transfusions are much safer than ever before, however they do come with some risks. For

instance, transfused blood can introduce pathogens directly into the blood stream, it can lead to

possibly fatal reactions, or it can cause changes in the patients immune system that may lead to otherserious reactions and infections. Additionally, several studies have shown that patients who receive

transfusions, on average, stay in the hospital longer, have higher hospital bills, and are generally more ill

than patients who did not receive a transfusion.42 Some studies have even shown a greater likelihood

of death in extensively transfused patients.43

What should I do if my doctor or surgeon tells me that I need a blood transfusion?

For patients who have lost a considerable amount of blood there may be little you can do before

receiving the blood transfusion to quickly raise your blood volume and hemoglobin level. A blood

transfusion can be a life-saving treatment for many patients undergoing surgery or for patients in the

emergency room.

If you are not in critical condition and you do not immediately need the transfusion, it is important to

discuss treatment options for anemia with your doctor. This can include asking your doctor what is

causing your anemia, if there is anything that can be done to prevent the need for a transfusion, and

what are the risks of receiving a transfusion or choosing not to receive a transfusion. If you arescheduled to have surgery, also check out NAAC's Anemia & Surgery handout and additional Anemia

FAQs on Surgery.

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Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials & Drug Approval

If you are a patient interested in learning about how clinical trials test the safety and effectiveness of

new drugs and treatments, read the article Clinical Trials and FDA Review Safety and Effectiveness of

New Drugs and visit the Clinical Trials section.

What are clinical trials and why are they important in developing new drugs and treatments?

Clinical trials are research studies with volunteer patients that investigate complicated health-related

questions. Some trials study how different diseases affect patients in natural settings and other trials

explore the safety and effectiveness of drugs or therapies used to treat patients with a specific disease.

These two types of studies are called observational trials (those which observe patients in natural

settings) and interventional trials (those which test drugs and new types of treatments).

Investigational clinical trials are important to make sure drugs and treatments are safe for patients and

effective at treating specific diseases and symptoms. This knowledge comes from studying the

information and data that is gathered over the course of one or several clinical trials which test a type of

drug or treatment. The results and conclusions about what happened during the study can then help

doctors make informed decisions about the effectiveness and safety of the drugs and treatments which

they recommend to patients.

Can doctors prescribe a drug to patients even if the FDA has not approved the drug for use in their

condition?

Yes. Once a drug has been approved for one purpose physicians are free to prescribe it for any other

purpose that in their professional judgment is both safe and effective. They are not limited to

official, FDA-approved indications printed on the label. This off-label prescribing is done when

medications have been found to be effective for new uses but have not had the formal (and often

costly) applications and studies required by the FDA to formally approve the drug for these new


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Correction of anemia can reduce your symptoms related to anemia, which may include fatigue,

weakness, pale skin, chest pain, dizziness, irritability, numbness or coldness in your hands and feet,

trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, and headache. Studies have shown that treating anemia in diabetics

may decrease hospital admissions10 and may also slow down the development of some of thecomplications of diabetes, including damage to the nerves, the eyes and the kidneys.13

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Iron Deficiency

What is iron deficiency anemia and can I correct it by changing my diet?

Iron builds muscle proteins, healthy bones, and most importantly, it helps blood cells carry the oxygen

the body needs for energy. Iron deficiency anemia develops when the body has had a low level of iron

for a long time. It can be caused by blood loss, not eating or absorbing enough iron, or by an increased

demand for iron (like pregnancy or rapid growth).

For people with anemia, getting enough iron in their diet is an easy, natural way to begin improving their

well-being. But, iron supplementation may be necessary in order to raise the low iron levels which are

causing iron deficiency anemia. In the case of poor absorption, supplemental iron may need to be given

intravenously (through an IV) or vitamin C intake may be increased to help the body absorb the iron

from food.

Additional feature articles: Patients Oral Iron Guide | Nutrition: The Importance of Iron

Information handout: Iron Deficiency Anemia

What is the difference between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia?


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Iron deficiency occurs when the body is low in stored iron. Iron deficiency may not cause any symptoms

and is often not recognized. When it is detected, it can be treated with iron supplementation. If the low

iron level or its cause is not corrected, it can lead to muscle weakness and eventually lead to iron

deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that develops when a low iron level persists and prevents the body

from making enough healthy red blood cells. The body can make red blood cells, even when it has an

iron deficiency, but eventually the shortage of stored iron can slow that process and cause anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia often leads to symptoms of fatigue, which may lead sufferers to seek medical

attention. When iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed it is almost always treated, since untreated anemia

can cause damage to the heart and other organs.

I have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and my doctor prescribed iron supplements. How

long will it take for my blood to become normal?

The recovery time depends on the degree of anemia at the beginning of treatment, the absorption of

iron from the stomach and the kind of iron pills one is taking. Most people with mild to moderate iron

deficiency anemia will correct the anemia over a period of 2-3 months. However, even when the anemia

is corrected, the iron stored by the body is still low. Physicians often recommend an additional 6 months

of oral iron therapy once the anemia has been reversed in order to reach a normal level of stored iron.

This will help prevent iron deficiency anemia from recurring quickly.

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Restless Leg Syndrome

What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?


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Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel extremely uncomfortable while you're

sitting or lying down. It makes you feel like getting up and moving around. When you do so, the

unpleasant feelings temporarily goes away. People suffering from RLS describe the sensations as

burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. The sensations can be uncomfortable,

irritating, or possibly even painful. These symptoms become worse during the early evening or later at

night and can disrupt sleep, leading to insomnia and daytime drowsiness.14 It has been estimated that

approximately 10% of adults in North America and Europe experience RLS symptoms.15 RLS is not a

dangerous or life threatening condition, but it can be painful and disrupt everyday life.

What causes RLS and is it related to anemia?

There is no known definitive cause for restless leg syndrome but one area of interest is its connection

with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are the mostcommon medical conditions associated with RLS and are present in more than 20% of all cases.16 Two

other major factors related to RLS include renal disease and pregnancy, which are frequently

accompanied by iron deficiency anemia.17 More recent studies have shown that decreased levels of

stored iron in the body can make RLS symptoms worse.18,19 Additionally, researchers have found that

not enough iron was getting to the brain cells of people who suffer from the symptoms of restless

legs.20

Can treatment relieve my RLS symptoms?

Increasing the bodys stored iron can provide relief of symptoms in some RLS patients, especially those

with iron deficiency.20 While oral iron supplements have shown benefit in these patients, IV iron may

be needed in order to replenish low iron levels in the brain. A recent study showed that treatment with

IV iron led to almost complete relief of the RLS symptoms in a small group of patients.17 Close

communication with your doctor will help him or her provide the treatment that is best for you.

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Surgery


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My hemoglobin level is low and I am scheduled for surgery. Should I postpone the surgery?

If you have a low hemoglobin (Hb) level, you should discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible. No

treatment may be necessary if minimal blood loss is expected during a minor procedure. If a greater

blood loss is expected for more extensive procedures, you should ask your doctor about being treated

with erythropoietin and iron to raise your hemoglobin to a normal level before surgery. An anemic

patient who undergoes high-blood-loss surgery has a greater risk of surgical complications and need for

a blood transfusion, which also carries some risk.

Some physicians advocate measuring a patient's hemoglobin 30 days before surgical procedures. This

allows time to identify and treat the anemia and its cause.21 There is a general consensus among

surgeons, anesthesiologists, and internists to postpone surgery if a patient has severe anemia (Hb 8

g/dL).22

While many healthy adults are able to handle anemia before surgery 23 without any problem, elderly

adults may not tolerate it as well. A recent study of elderly patients undergoing major non-heart surgery

found that even mild anemia increased the risk of heart trouble or death after surgery.24 The treatment

of anemia before surgery with iron, erythropoietin, or red blood cell products and their substitutes is

possible for most major elective surgeries and can help prevent adverse outcomes, especially in elderly

patients.

How long could it take for my hemoglobin level to return to its pre-surgical range if I did or did not

receive a transfusion?

A hemoglobin level at or below 7 g/dL following surgery may require a blood transfusion. Each unit of

transfused blood (300ml) is expected to raise circulating hemoglobin level by about 1 g/dL.25

A blood transfusion replaces the red blood cells and hemoglobin (Hb) lost during surgery and may

immediately return your hemoglobin level to its pre-surgical range. The symptoms of anemia (if present)

may be relieved quickly, but the increase in hemoglobin level may only be temporary.2 This is because

the red blood cells in a blood transfusion do not last as long as the red blood cells your own body will

make after surgery. If you receive a blood transfusion, your hemoglobin level will initially increase, but it

could still take your body several weeks to regularly produce enough healthy red blood cells to sustain

the pre-surgical hemoglobin level.


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If you do not receive a transfusion following surgery, it may take several weeks to sometimes two

months to raise your hemoglobin level to its pre-surgical range. This is because your body must make

new red blood cells to replace those that were lost during the surgical procedure. It normally takes

about five to seven days to make a healthy red blood cell, but the normal course of healing andinflammation from the surgery can slow down the production of red blood cells.26,27

Anemia Rates After SurgeryTime After Surgery Percentage with Corrected Anemia

One week Very few

2-4 weeks One-third

6 weeks Two-thirds

Karkouti K, et al. Can J Anaesth. 2006.28

Several studies have shown that without treatment, anemia is almost never corrected within one week

after surgery. With appropriate therapy, about one-third of patients will have their anemia corrected

two to four weeks after surgery and two-thirds within six weeks after surgery.28 Patients with more

severe anemia, and those who suffer from anemia of chronic disease before their surgery may take

longer than six weeks to recover.28 Your doctor may recommend an oral iron supplement to shorten

the time it takes to recover.

In some circumstances, a blood transfusion may be necessary, but concerns about the risks involved

have restricted their use. Blood transfusion has many known adverse effects including potential

transmission of infectious diseases, allergic reactions, and decreased immune function.29,30

Additionally, treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron have been shown to

increase the rate of red blood cell production and may also help hemoglobin levels return to normal in

surgery patients.31-33

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Women's Health

I heard that heavy menstrual periods can cause anemia. Is there anything I can do to prevent the

anemia?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is one common cause of iron deficiency anemia

for women. Heavy menstrual bleeding has been reported in approximately 10-15% of all women at

some point during their life. Among these women, as many as 20% will go on to develop iron deficiency

anemia.34 You can begin to replace the iron lost from blood loss by eating more iron-rich foods, but

supplemental oral iron medications may be required. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or

gynecologist. To learn more, read our feature article Women and Anemia Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

and Fibroids.

What is the relationship between uterine fibroid tumors and anemia in women?

Anemia in women can be caused by the increased menstrual blood loss associated with uterine fibroid

tumors. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that often appear during childbearing

years. They almost never lead to cancer, and are not linked to any increased risk of cancer.35 Along with

a healthy diet, iron supplementation may be required to prevent iron deficiency anemia from

developing. To learn more about fibroid tumors, read our feature article Women and Anemia Heavy

Menstrual Bleeding and Fibroids.

What causes anemia during pregnancy?

Pregnancy places major demands on the body because the mother must meet the needs of both her

body and her growing baby. The mothers body needs enough iron and folate to make the right amount

of red blood cells.36 Most anemia during pregnancy results from this increased need for iron. It is

estimated that women will need approximately 50% more iron during pregnancy, increasing from 18 to

27 milligrams (mg) per day.37 Even a well-balanced diet can only provide about 12-14 mg of iron per

day, well short of the iron a pregnant woman requires.

In order to prevent iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, it is often necessary for pregnant women

to take iron supplements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all


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pregnant women should take a daily supplement of 30mg of elemental iron. The expectant mother

should also stay in close contact with her doctor and gynecologist, and be sure to eat a diet that includes

foods rich in iron and folate, like liver and dark green leafy vegetables. Read our feature articles to learn

more about anemia caused during pregnancy, from vitamin deficiencies or from iron deficiency.

Can childbirth cause anemia? What is postpartum anemia?

Approximately 10% of women will suffer from anemia within the first six months after delivering their

baby38 and 4% of women will have anemia lasting up to twelve months.39 Anemia experienced by

mothers during this time following childbirth is called postpartum anemia and is usually caused by iron

deficiency. Mothers suffering from postpartum anemia most likely lost a large amount of blood during

childbirth, had twins or other multiple births, or were anemic during the third trimester of pregnancy.9

In any case, losing large amounts of blood or having low iron levels leaves the mother at risk fordeveloping anemia.

Following childbirth, the mothers body needs to start making new red blood cells. To do so, she will

need enough iron to make hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the

body. If she has anemia and there is not enough stored iron, her body will be unable to raise

hemoglobin levels and reverse the anemia. Low iron levels before and after childbirth may require

treatment. Close communication with your doctor and gynecologist will help him or her provide the best

care to prevent anemia prior to child birth and treat postpartum anemia. To learn more about

postpartum anemia, read our feature article Women & Anemia Childbirth and Postpartum Anemia.

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Anemia Basics