Causes of Anemia

Classifications of anemia:

  • • In hypoproliferative anemias, there is an inability to produce an adequate number of erythrocytes in response to the appropriate stimulus.1

  • • In hyperproliferative anemias, the bone marrow is consistently producing RBCs, but they are destroyed in the periphery at a rate that is beyond the capacity of the bone marrow to replace.2

  • • Loss of blood causes a consequent reduction in the oxygen carrying ability of the blood.1

Classification of Anemia and Some Causes

References: 1. Marks PW, Glader B. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hematology Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2009:439-446. 2. Pincus MR, Abraham NZ Jr. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:91-108. 3. Bridges KR, Pearson HA. Anemia and Other Red Cell Disorders. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division; 2008. 4. Kaushansky K, Kipps TJ. In: Brunton LL, Lazo JS, Parker KL, eds. Goodman & Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2005.