Saturday, June 25, 2011

Stillbirth

Still birth is defined as the death of fetus in the uterus after 20 weeks of pregnancy or the fetus weighs more than 400 grams (14 oz) before it was born. Most stillbirths occur in full term pregnancies and 1 in 200. Global estimates suggest that at least 3.2 million stillbirths occur annually, with 98% of these occurring in the developing world.

Causes and risk factors
The causes of stillbirth are unknown, but researchers suggested the following incidences
1. Bacteria
Some bacteria can increase the risk of pregnancy loss as it causes direct infection, placental damage, and severe maternal illness such as protozoa. Statistic showed that between 10% and 25% of stillbirths may be caused by an infection in developed countries.

2. Pulmonary hypoplasia
In a study of Association between Pulmonary Hypoplasia and Hypoplasia of Arcuate Nucleus in Stillbirth, researcher found that about a third of stillbirths there is a congenital hypodevelopment of both lung and curate nucleus. In these cases the ARCn hypoplasia would exert a negative effect on respiratory movements in utero and therefore on lung development. When the pulmonary hypoplasia is not accompanied by hypodevelopment of this nucleus the explanation could be a failure to block the inhibitory action of the Kölliker–Fuse nucleus.

3. Chromosomal aberrations
As a result of disruptions in the normal chromosomal content of a cell, and are a major cause of genetic conditions in the fetus.

4. Growth retardation
In a study of Growth retardation and risk of stillbirth in subsequent pregnancy, researchers found that a small-for-gestational age (SGA) live birth in first pregnancy increases the risk of subsequent stillbirth, especially when the birth is preterm. Compared with women with a previous non-SGA term birth, a history of a previous term SGA birth doubled the stillbirth risk in second pregnancy, whereas a previous moderately preterm SGA birth or a very preterm SGA birth were associated with a fourfold and over six-fold increase in risk, respectively.

5. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy is defined as a liver condition in which the normal flow of bile is impaired, leading to rising of bile acids in the blood, causing severe itching to the mother and a risk for stillbirth.

6. Maternal diabetes
Women with preexisting diabetes are more likely to have complications in pregnancy than gestational diabetics as the results of damaged kidneys or retinas, rising in maternal blood pressure, leading to increased risk of stillbirth in some women.

7. High blood pressure,
High blood pressure are at increased risk of having a baby that grows too slowly. An ultrasound examination during pregnancy can show that the fetus is growing poorly, allowing health care providers to carefully monitor the pregnancy

8, Drugs
The use of drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of still birth and birth defects as a result of a nerve and or cell damage to the fetus.

9. Postdate pregnancy
In a study of Influence of parity on fetal mortality in prolonged pregnancy, Engelhard IM, van den Hout MA, Schouten EG found that Before 41 weeks the stillbirth risk rose gradually but did not differ by parity. By 41 weeks there was a substantial increase in the stillbirth risk in nulliparous women but not in parous women. The pattern of rise is such that the stillbirth risk is 2.9 times higher (95% CI 1.06-8.19) in nulliparous women at >42 weeks' gestation.

10. Placental abruptions
Premature separation of placenta from the uterine wall before delivery, leading to heavy bleeding that can threaten the life of mother and cause the death of fetus in the uterus due to lack of oxygen.

11. Race
In a study of Is race a determinant of stillbirth recurrence? Sharma PP, Salihu HM, Oyelese Y, Ananth CV, Kirby RS found that history of stillbirth is associated with a 5-fold increase for subsequent stillbirth. The recurrence of stillbirth is almost tripled in African Americans as compared with whites.

12. Radiation exposure
In a study of Stillbirth and neonatal death in relation to radiation exposure before conception: a retrospective cohort study. Our findings do not support concern about heritable genetic changes affecting the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death in the offspring of men exposed to gonadal irradiation. However, uterine and ovarian irradiation had serious adverse effects on the offspring that were probably related to uterine damage. Careful management is warranted of pregnancies in women given high doses of pelvic irradiation before puberty.

13. Rh disease
It is big concern until the discover of medicine which developed blood product that can prevent an Rh negative mother's antibodies from being able to react to Rh positive cells.

14. Umbilical cord accidents
It is a disruption the blood flow to the baby through the cord as a result of an entangled umbilical cord cutting off the blood supply to the fetus or medical cause of cord failure.

15. Chronic diseases
Chronic diseases, such as statistic showed that About 10 percent of stillbirths are chronic related conditions in the mother.

16. Smoking
In a study of Influence of maternal smoking habits on the risk of subsequent stillbirth: Is there a causal relation? Hogberg L, Cnattingius, S. found that maternal smoking during pregnancy is causally associated with stillbirth risk. Smoking is a preventable cause of stillbirth, and smoking interventions is an important issue in antenatal care.

17. Age related
In a study of Higher rate of stillbirth at the extremes of reproductive age: A large nationwide sample of deliveries in the United States, Bateman BT, Simpson LL. found that The extremes of maternal age are associated with an increased risk for stillbirth, even after adjustment for a large number of known predisposing conditions.

18. Smokeless tobacco
in a study of Smokeless tobacco use and risk of stillbirth: A cohort study in Mumbai, India. Gupta PC, Subramoney S. found that Smokeless tobacco use during pregnancy increases stillbirth risk, with a risk at least as great as that associated with maternal cigarette smoking.

19. Etc.

Symptoms of stillbirth
1. Vaginal bleeding
If you have vagina bleeding especially during the second half of pregnancy, it may be a sign of something wring with your baby.
2. Lack of fetal movement of the fetus or
3. A change in the normal movement or activity level of your baby.
4. Persistent Cramping and/or contractions that come regularly and get more intense in the pelvis, back, or lower abdomen.
5. Lack of growing of uterus may be signal something wrong with your baby
6. Undetectable heart beat during routine exam is a concern.
7. Etc

Prevention
A. What to avoid
1. Avoid infection by bacteria
Please take pre-cautious to avoid infected during pregnancy will reduce the risk of stillbirth.
2. Quit smoking
Although there are some conflicted study linking of smoking to stillbirth, Hogberg L, Cnattingius, S. found that maternal smoking during pregnancy is causally associated with stillbirth risk.

3. Avoid alcohol
In a study of Katrine Strandberg-Larsen, of the University of South Denmark, in Copenhagen, and colleague, researchers found that women who continue to drink alcohol heavily during pregnant or consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks on any one occasion may increase the risk of stillbirth (fetal death).

4. Smokeless tobacco
Since it is a cause of stillbirth, quit smokeless tobacco is highly recommended.

5. Radiation exposure
exposure to certain chemicals in the work place may be harmful to your baby's health.

6. Drugs
Drugs can damage nerves and/or cells of the fetus, causing higher risk of stillbirth.

7. Avoid not sleep on your left side
In a report published in the June 14 online edition of the BMJ, researchers found that women who didn't sleep on their left side had twice the risk of having a stillborn infant.

8. Avoid taking vitamin E
In a study, researchers found that showed vitamin E supplements may double the risk of a stillbirth, experts have warned, however, other study indicated that taking vitamin E, particularly taken with vitamin C, can help protect against miscarriage and pre-eclampsia.
earlier research has suggested that vitamin E, particularly taken with vitamin C, can help protect against miscarriage and pre-eclampsia.


9. Etc.

B. Testing to avoid stillbirth
a. Novel Placenta Screening Tests
Assessments of novel screening methods have generally failed to distinguish between effective identification of high-risk women and successful intervention for such women, but in a study of Novel Placenta Screening Tests May Help Prevent Stillbirths, according to a seminar in The Lancet, weekly edition, the authors argue that better understanding of the science behind placental function, or lack of good function, may lead to the development of new screening tests. Women who are apparently low-risk could be screened and those at risk of stillbirth would then be better identified.

b. Measured placental volume
In study of Measurements in Early Pregnancy as Predictors of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, researchers found that in addition to volume, 3-dimensional sonography allows for novel techniques to measure other aspects of gross placental morphologic characteristics and CI, which can yield promising biologically plausible early predictors of fetal growth and adverse perinatal outcome.

c. Ultrasound
Ultrasound allows your doctor to visualize the fetus and to assess the size, organs, heart, body tissue, the date of birth and may be nay abnormality of the baby.

d. Alpha-fetoprotein blood test
It is blood test to check the level of AFP, a substance made in the liver of an unborn baby in a pregnant woman. if the test is positive, your baby is at higher risk of spina bifida and anencephaly, chromosomal aberrations, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), etc. resulting in some cases in stillbirth.

e. Electronic fetal nonstress test
It is the test to measure heart rate of the baby for approximate 30 minutes, if you found that the baby movement is not as frequently as usual or you doctor suspected that the placenta is not functioning adequately.

f. Fetal movement monitoring
The test is to measure fetal movements to assess the health of the baby in the womb with aim to detect the problem early for necessary treatment if you found that your baby movement is not as normal

g. Doppler monitoring
It is also known as Doppler fetal heart rate monitor, a hand-held ultrasound transducer used to detect the heart beat of a fetus for prenatal care.

h. Etc.

C. Nutritional supplements
1. Folic acid, Protein energy and Micronutrient supplements
The effect of folic acid, protein energy and multiple micro-nutrient supplements in pregnancy on stillbirths, researchers conclude that Peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation reduces stillbirths due to NTDs by approximately 41%, a point estimate recommended for inclusion in Live Saved Tool (LiST).

2. Balanced energy protein supplementation
In a study of Stillbirths: epidemiology, evidence, and priorities for action, researchers found that Balanced energy protein supplementation is an important nutritional intervention to prevent stillbirths in undernourished women, especially in LMICs. one of more proof that nutritional deficiency may be one of the cause of stillbirth.

3. Iodine
In a study, Adana Provincial Health Director Sandra said bonding, Iodine deficiency during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of stillbirth.

4. Vitamin C
In study, researchers found that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C have a lower risk of high blood pressure than people who have poorer diets.

5. Vitamin C and E
In a study, researcher found that taking vitamin E, particularly taken with vitamin C, can help protect against miscarriage and pre-eclampsia.

6. Folic acid and vitamin D
The Department of Health advises women take only vitamin D and folic acid during pregnancy.

7. Iron
During pregnancy, a woman's body needs much more iron than usual to produce blood, oxygen and nutrition for herself and the baby.
8. Etc.

D. Diet
1. Avoid high fat diet
High fat diet decreases the blood flow to placenta, leading to increased risk of he placenta cause of stillbirth. Dr. Antonio Frias, principal investigator and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the OHSU School of Medicine, says a typical American diet, high in fat, decreases blood flow from the mother to the placenta, the temporary organ that nourishes the fetus.

2. Quit drinking
In a study of Katrine Strandberg-Larsen, of the University of South Denmark, in Copenhagen, and colleague, researchers found that women who continue to drink alcohol heavily during pregnant or consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks on any one occasion may increase the risk of stillbirth (fetal death).

3. A balancing diet
a. Whole grain and fruits and vegetables
Whole grain and fruits and vegetables contain high a mount of nutritional supplements which are vital for the baby growth.
b. Protein
In a study of Maternal Dietary Protein Deficiency Decreases Amino Acid Concentrations in Fetal Plasma and Allantoic Fluid of Pigc. Fruit and vegetable, researchers found that Decreases in concentrations of the essential and nonessential amino acids in the fetus may be a mechanism whereby maternal dietary protein restriction results in fetal growth retardation.
For healthy foods diet you are directed to my previous 100+ healthy food list for in-depth information
c. Milk
Milk contain high amount of calcium which is necessary for the growth and development of the fetus.

4. Etc.

I feel very sick with tear in my eye and want to stop. It seems that a stillborn baby is just in front of me. For the mothers and fathers who have gone through this, my heart with you and hope you will get through a grief process OK.
What I don't want to present

In most cases of stillbirth, the mother will go into labor within two weeks of the baby's death. If not, inducing labor is absolutely necessary to prevent the risk to the mother with medicine to cause the uterus to contract.

Follow up therapy
Men and women tend to utilize different coping strategies when it comes to stress and grief,
Coping after the death of their baby is one of the hardest things they'll ever do. Most couple feel like they will never get over it, but with time, they will learn.
There are many suggestions, but understand that was not you fault is most important as you have done your best. In fact, some stillbirth are caused by congenital defects and coincidence out of your control.
In study of The effects of social support on maternal anxiety and depression after stillbirth, researchers found that Congruent with the family stress and coping theory, mothers of stillborn babies who perceived family support in the period after stillbirth experienced levels of anxiety and depression that were notably lower than those of their counterparts. Nurses, physicians and support groups also were important sources of support after a stillbirth; however, these sources of support alone were not statistically significant in reducing anxiety and depression in grieving mothers. Community interventions should focus on the grieving mother and her family system, including her partner and surviving children.
I can't write any further, I will quote a source instead
1. Choose carefully whom you share with. Do not go to those for comfort who you know will not be able to give it to you.

2. If you are not ready to go to baby showers or to visit new babies, don’t. Tell them the truth if you think they can handle it. If you don’t think they can handle it tell them you have the flu.

3. Be straight forward with friends or family members whose style of consoling does not work for you. Thank them and tell them that it is too hard for you to hear what they have to say.

4. Remember that you and your partner will probably have different styles of grieving. Men, in general, are often more action oriented, while women tend to take more time to talk about their feelings. The two of you will work through your grief at a different pace. Be patient with each other.
5. Try to find sources of support other than your partner. The two of you may not always be emotionally available to each other.

6. Take extra good care of your body. Eat well, get plenty of rest and get exercise that is appropriate to your physical state.

7. Take time together with your partner. Make a point to schedule dates or outings.

8. Try to avoid making major decisions during your intense grieving time. Your mind is too clouded.
9. Keeping a box of mementos of your baby or your pregnancy can be very helpful in your healing process. Most parents find it comforting to keep photos, hospital records, ultrasound pictures
and other memories.

10. Consider attending a support group. Sharing with and hearing from other couples who miscarried can make a big difference.

11. Seek professional counseling if your despair significantly affects your daily coping. Grief is hard work and can be exhausting. Just be patient and good to yourself and healing will occur in time.

Your healing will not mean that you will forget. How could you? Healing means that you will incorporate this experience into your life and who you are. (Source)

Pregnancy after stillbirth
If you decide to try again to have another baby, please make sure that you are really ready, but I can assure you that the rate of 2 consecutive of stillbirth or miscarriage are very low 1/40000. You and partner must consider the emotional and your physical readiness to cope with the stress of a subsequent pregnancy with a support team in place, in case, you need help or counseling.


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Monday, June 20, 2011

Anemia in Elderly

Anemia in Elderly Linked to Declines
Even Mild Anemia Is a Risk Factor for Loss of Physical Function
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News

July 25, 2003 -- Elderly people with anemia have twice the risk of experiencing physical declines that can end up robbing them of their independence, according to new research supported by the National Institute on Aging.

Wake Forest University researchers report for the first time that anemia is a major risk factor for age-related loss of physical function. Lead researcher Brenda Penninx, PhD, tells WebMD that the findings should help call attention to a condition that is underdiagnosed and undertreated in elderly populations.

"Although we didn't look at treatment in this study, the hope is that by correcting the anemia we can prevent some of the physical declines that we saw," she says. "That could keep older people out of nursing homes and hospitals."

Weakness, Irritability
Roughly 13% of people over the age of 70 are anemic, meaning that their capacity to carry oxygen in the blood is compromised. As a result, people with anemia often feel weak, tired, dizzy, or irritable. If not treated it can force the heart to work harder, leading to more serious consequences.

In elderly people, anemia can often be caused by an underlying disease such as cancer or kidney failure or by treatments for these diseases. Poor nutrition is a less common cause among the elderly, and no cause can be identified in about 30% of cases.

Penninx and colleagues followed a group of 1,146 people over the age of 70 for about four years, during which time they assessed physical abilities such as standing balance, walking, and the ability to rise from a chair. By the end of the study, two-thirds of the participants had experienced some declines and 30% experienced substantial declines.

People with borderline anemia were found to be at 1.5 times the risk of those who were not anemic. The findings are published in the August issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

"This study suggests that even mild anemia is a risk factor linked to reduced ability of older people to function at their fullest potential," National Institute of Aging epidemiologist Jack Guralnik, MD, PhD, says in a news release. "Further research will tell us whether the treatment of anemia can prevent the progressive decline in function that eventually results in disability."
The researchers also found that elderly people with anemia were associated with a 150% increase in hospitalization risk and a 200% increase in risk of being admitted to a nursing home.

Drugs Available to Treat Anemia
American Geriatrics Society spokesman Charles Cefalu, MD, MS, tells WebMD that the diagnosis of anemia among elderly patients has not been a priority in the past because there were no effective treatments for the condition. That changed, however, with the introduction of epoetin alfa, the first drug approved for the treatment of anemia.

The injectable drug is marketed under the brand names Epogen and Procrit. It is approved specifically for anemia related to treatments for kidney failure, HIV, and cancer.

"I think anemia among the elderly will get more attention because of studies like this one and because there is now something that we can do about it," Cefalu says. "We need studies to determine that these emerging treatments are effective for larger populations of anemic patients."


Possible Complications of Anemia in the Elderly
By


There are many possible complications that may occur with Anemia in the elderly population. While it is true that most incidents of this condition are considered to be relatively mild, it is important to keep in mind that when a person suffers from Anemia, the basic transportation system of oxygen within the blood is affected.

Even mild cases of this condition may result in fatigue. In more serious cases of Anemia, the fatigue and low energy levels produced by the reduction in oxygen transport within the body may become crippling. There are many other complications that may be experienced by the elderly too.

Secondary Damage
When Anemia occurs, there is a drastic reduction in the red blood cells of the body. When this happens, the body's ability to absorb oxygen directly from the lungs is drastically hindered. As a result, it is common for the Anemia to result in basic dysfunction of the organs of the body.

Naturally, if an organ is not working properly, it results in direct damage of that organ. In the elderly, the organ most often affected by this secondary damage is the heart. In particular case studies, it has been found that the elderly over the age of eight five years have higher mortality rates than others that are younger.


Immediate Concerns
There are many immediate concerns when evaluating the possible complications of Anemia in older patients. The first, of course, is the effect that the condition has on the heart. It has been discovered that the condition increases a person's risk of developing a condition that is cardiac based. If a person does experience a complication that is cardiac related, such as a heart attack or failure of the heart, the survival rate is drastically decreased if they suffer from Anemia.

In addition to this, Anemia has been linked to the onset of a form of dementia that is referred to as "Vascular". If you or someone that you know is considered to be elderly, it is essential to work closely with a medical professional on a treatment plan to resolve any type of Anemia that may be experienced.


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Friday, June 17, 2011

Anemia Due to Chronic Diseases/Chronic Anemia or Anemia of inflammatory response

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here

Anemia can be classified into acute and chronic anemia

Anemia due to chronic disease is a types of blood disorder as a result effected by one or more chronic medical condition(s), causing reduced red blood cells production.

Acute anemia denotes as short term drops of red blood red cells production. Most of the times, it is caused heavy internal bleeding or blood loss due to injure. It is a serious problem, in most cases, it requires medical attention immediately.

Diagnosis

Anemia can be classified 3 different categories due to its causes of decreased red blood cell production, increased red blood cells destruction, and blood loss.

In chronic anemia, a simple blood test will review the underlie of the causes

1. Chronic anemia with iron deficiency

In this case, the levels of ferritin found in the test is normal or high but the cells are not releasing their iron because in iron deficiency anemia, the levels of ferritin is lower than normal.

2. Chronic anemia with iron deficiency
The levels of total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) should be lower in chronic anemia with iron deficiency, as it reflects the inability the body to produce more transferrin, making bind up of iron not necessary.

Types of chronic diseases that cause chronic anemia

If you are in medical treatments of any chronic disease, you may be given all kinds of information related to its affects, including anemia. Sometimes prescription is given ahead of time to prevent anemia before it can happen, other time, you may require to take some types of supplements or drugs, depending to your situation. There are many types of chronic diseases associated with anemia
1. Autoimmune Gastritis
Gastritis inflammatory condition of the stomach as a result of injured respond of white blood cells in the stomach. If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to chronic condition, causing pernicious anemia.
2. Peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcer is defined as a condition of
erosion of the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. It can lead to internal bleeding, causing chronic anemia, if left untreated.
3. Liver disease
Liver disease as a result of alcohol drinking can cause Macrocytosis, a condition of enlargement of red blood cells with near-constant hemoglobin concentration, leading to pernicious anemia. Other liver disease caused by hepatitis virus, can lead to decrease red blood cell count (hemoglobin), causing chronic anemia.
4. Kidney disease
kidney disease can affect the production of hormone erythropoietin, leading to reduced signal to bone marrow for increase production of more red blood cells.
5. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is defined as condition of deficiency of thyroid hormone. the main cause is due to Iodine deficiency, leading to iron-deficiency cause of chronic anemia, if left untreated. (insufficient iron)
6. Sickle cell disease
It is an genetic blood disorder disease passing from generation to generation with a abnormal red blood cells shapes as a result of a mutation in the haemoglobin gene.
7. Hypermenorrhea
Hypermenorrhea or ecessive heavy menstruation can be caused either by (uterine bleeding) hormonal disorders associted with absolute or relative hyperestrogenism due deficiency of progesterone or fibroid tumors (uterine leiomyomata), polyps and cancer
8. Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a disorder of abnormally low amount of platelets, leading to with abnormal bleeding.
9. Cancer
More information here
10. Poor diet
More information here
11. Iron deficiency
More information here
12. Etc.

Types of chronic anemia
1. Microcytic, hypochromic anemia
Microcytic, hypochromic anemia is defined as a chronoc anemia caused by many conditions including iron deficiency, Beta-Thalassemia trait, lead poisoning, chronic illness or inflammation, and sideroblastic anemia (Korones & Cohen, 1997; Wu et al., 2002)

2. Macrocytic anemia
Macrocytic anemia is defined as a condition of not having enough healthy red blood cells in body to transport oxygen and nutrients to the body tissue and organ as a result of insufficiency of vitamin B12.

3. Normocytic anemia
Normocytic anemia is a common disease, occurring to men and women over 85 years old as a result of low red blood cell volume as result of a decreased production of normal-sized red blood cells, an increased destruction or loss of red blood cells, deficiency of vitamin B6, B12, etc.

4. Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia is defined as a condition of not enough red blood cells in the blood, as a result of the premature destruction due to abnormal breaking down of red blood cells (hemolysis) either in the blood vessels or elsewhere in the body.

5. Etc.

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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

What is Anemia?

Anemia is defined as a condition of deficiency of hemoglobin, leading not enough red blood cells in the body. The functions of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen from the lung to the body' s cells.

Causes of Anemia
There are many causes of anemia, including
1. Poor nutrition
In some parts of the world, anemia is caused by iron deficiency due to less meat in the diet. People who are vegetarian may want to supplement their iron in plant with intake of vitamin C to enhance the absorption of Non heme iron.
2. Poor absorption
Poor absorption of iron, vitamin B12 and folate increases the risk anemia.
3. Blood loss during surgery
In some cases, temporarily anemic condition may occur as a result of large blood during surgery.
4. Bleeding
Internal bleeding due to diseases or cancers increase the risk of anemia. Some women with heavy menstruation may be at risk of anemia.
5. Cancer treatment
Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy can cause anemia because of medicine used prevent the body in production of red blood cells.
6. Drugs use to treat HIV/AID
Certain medicine used to treat HIV/AID are considered another cause of anemia.
7. Kidney disease
Kidney disease interferes with production of hormone erythropoietin, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells
8. Heredity
Certain types of anemia are caused by genetic passing through from parents such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia.
9. Etc.



Symptoms
1. Fatigue and loss of energy
2. Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
3. Dizziness
4. Weak and tired easily
5. Shortness of breath
6. Difficulty concentrating
7. Pale skin
8. Insomnia
9. Irritability
10. Etc.

Diagnosis

Family history is always important for diagnosis of any disease, including anemia
Complete blood count is one of most efficient test to checks your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Low levels of hemoglobin (Normal range in men 140 -180g/L, in women 120-160g/L) or mematocrit ( the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. It is normally about 45% for men and 40% for women) is a sign of anemia.

Treatments
Treatment of anemia depending to its causes, it can be supplement prescribed by the doctor, blood transfusion, change of diet, bone marrow transplant, etc.

Effects of anemia
1. Symptoms of dizziness, lack of concentration, irritability may interfere with job efficiency, sport activity, etc. for adults, mental growth and psychomotor development for children with the risk of that may be irreversible and school work and activity for children and teen.
2. Anemia and kidney disease increase the risk of heart failure as a result of the heart have to work over a prolong period of time to pump blood to the body cells need.
3. Levels of hemoglobin
Researcher found that levels of hemoglobin have a direct effect in reducing the risk of cancer recurring.
4. In general, anemia has a negative effect on quality of life and cognitive function, as well as many other aspects of patient function.

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Sunday, June 12, 2011

Anemia and Nutrition

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here

Our activity required certain amount of nutrients every day, intake enough nutrition with a balanced diet by by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods, including lean meats and dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains is always recommended to replace the already used energy. Unfortunately, certain diets and part of the world where meat is luxury, etc., nutritional deficiency may lead to iron deficiency cause of anemia. For people suffering from anemia, a healthy and nutritious diet becomes even more important and necessary.

Iron deficiency and anemia
Iron is defined simply as too little iron in the body for the production of hemoglobin. Anemia occurs when there isn't enough hemoglobin to transport oxygen to the body cells and organs need, leading to symptoms of irritability, fatigue, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, etc.. Approximate 2 out of 1000 people in Canada are considered iron deficiency. If your body delete the stored iron, it can cause no hemoglobin is produced, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

Symptoms
1. Fatigue and loss of energy
2. Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
3. Dizziness
4. Weak and tired easily
5. Shortness of breath
6. Difficulty concentrating
7. Pale skin
8. Insomnia
9. Irritability
10. Etc.

Causes of nutritional deficiency
1. Diet
a. Vegetarian diet is considered one form of healthy diet if you remember that non heme iron in plant is tough to absorbed, intake vitamin C may be helpful but checking your iron is important.
b. Poor diet
In the third world, when meat is considered is luxury to many people.
c. Infant
Children have enough iron in the first 6 months after they were born, breast milk and normal formula feeding should supplement with iron rich source of foods such as cereal,...
2. Teen
Teen under growing spurt and girls start menstruation required higher amount of iron to avoid the risk of iron deficiency cause of anemia.
3. Women
Menstruation loss of certain amount of blood and pregnant women require higher amount of iron to support the grow of the fetus.
4. Internal bleeding
Internal bleeding such as ulcer, herrmorrrhoids, cancer, etc.
5. Diseases
Certain types of diseases such as cancer and inflammatory or bowel disease can reduced the body in iron absorption
6. Supplements
Certain types of minerals such as magnesium and calcium can reduce the body in iron absorption. Please take them in the different time, if you are taking iron supplement.
7. Etc.

Benefits of treating anemia
1. Pregnant women
Treating anemia is important to improve the birth outcome and the the health of the woman after pregnancy.

2. Children
a. Infants
To avoid mental delay and psychomotor development in infant, sometime it is irreversible.
b. Teen
To avoid moderate iron deficient causes of poor cognitive and academic performance.

3. Heart diseases
People with heart diseases and anemia with taking iron supplement or dieting with rich iron sources can cause the heart to work harder due to reduced red blood cells risk, leading to led swelling and shortness of breath.

4. Etc.

Treatments
1. Diet
If the cause of iron deficiency is due to lack of iron folate, B12 then diet rich of above such as red lean meat, fish, clam, oyster, etc. will be required. Intake of vitamin C can enhance the iron absorption
2. Infants
Fortified formula or iron fortified cereal for the first 6 -24 months.
3. Erythrpoietin
may be necessary for pregnant women with severe anemia.
4. Internal bleeding
Treating the bleeding.
5. Etc.


For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Anemia

Anemia is defined as a condition of deficiency of hemoglobin, leading not enough red blood cells in the body. The functions of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen from the lung to the body' s cells.

Causes of Anemia
There are many causes of anemia, including
1. Poor nutrition
In some parts of the world, anemia is caused by iron deficiency due to less meat in the diet. People who are vegetarian may want to supplement their iron in plant with intake of vitamin C to enhance the absorption of Non heme iron.
2. Poor absorption
Poor absorption of iron, vitamin B12 and folate increases the risk anemia.
3. Blood loss during surgery
In some cases, temporarily anemic condition may occur as a result of large blood during surgery.
4. Bleeding
Internal bleeding due to diseases or cancers increase the risk of anemia. Some women with heavy menstruation may be at risk of anemia.
5. Cancer treatment
Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy can cause anemia because of medicine used prevent the body in production of red blood cells.
6. Drugs use to treat HIV/AID
Certain medicine used to treat HIV/AID are considered another cause of anemia.
7. Kidney disease
Kidney disease interferes with production of hormone erythropoietin, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells
8. Heredity
Certain types of anemia are caused by genetic passing through from parents such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia.
9. Etc.

Symptoms
1. Fatigue and loss of energy
2. Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
3. Dizziness
4. Weak and tired easily
5. Shortness of breath
6. Difficulty concentrating
7. Pale skin
8. Insomnia
9. Irritability
10. Etc.

Diagnosis

Family history is always important for diagnosis of any disease, including anemia
Complete blood count is one of most efficient test to checks your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Low levels of hemoglobin (Normal range in men 140 -180g/L, in women 120-160g/L) or mematocrit ( the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. It is normally about 45% for men and 40% for women) is a sign of anemia.

Treatments
Treatment of anemia depending to its causes, it can be supplement prescribed by the doctor, blood transfusion, change of diet, bone marrow transplant, etc.

Effects of anemia
1. Symptoms of dizziness, lack of concentration, irritability may interfere with job efficiency, sport activity, etc. for adults, mental growth and psychomotor development for children with the risk of that may be irreversible and school work and activity for children and teen.
2. Anemia and kidney disease increase the risk of heart failure as a result of the heart have to work over a prolong period of time to pump blood to the body cells need.
3. Levels of hemoglobin
Researcher found that levels of hemoglobin have a direct effect in reducing the risk of cancer recurring.
4. In general, anemia has a negative effect on quality of life and cognitive function, as well as many other aspects of patient function.

A. Anemia and surgery
People with anemia are at risk during and after surgery due to not enough of red blood cells and sometime it can cause perioperative anemia as a result of losing too much blood, leading to insufficient hemoglobin to carry oxygen and nutrients for our body's organs and cells need.

Benefit of treating Anemia before surgery
If you are required surgery for whatever reasons, there are something you should consider to prevent complication during and after surgery.
Increase your red blood cells count or raise level of hemoglobin will reduce the need for blood transfusion during surgery, especial surgery that result in heavy blood loss.
a. Intake of foods with rich of folate, vitamin B12 and iron such as peas, lentil, soybeans and chickpeas, etc.
b. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for the absorption of iron by increasing intake of vitamin C rich vegetables and fruits such as kiwi fruit, strawberries, and cantaloupes.
To increase to red blood cells, your doctor may prescribe
c. Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents
ESAs are given by injection or intravenously (through an IV) to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, thus raising the level of hemoglobin.
d. Contraceptive pill
Women who take the pill have reduced bleeding during period.
e. Etc.

It is important that you increase your red red blood cells well before the surgery to avoid the needs of blood transfusion, stay in hospital longer and your incision heal faster.


Types of blood transfusion if necessary
You surgeon will suggest some of the best options for blood transfusion if necessary during surgery, please make sure you well understood and make your choice
1. Autologous transfusion
This may be a good choice, it is a blood transfusion that uses you own blood that has been previous stored, donated before the surgery, during an operation or post-operation.
2. Allogeneic transfusion
The type of blood transfusion with the use of donated blood
3. Collect and return
With the use of a special medical machine to collect your blood during or before surgery, then return them to your body following surgery.
4. Etc.

Blood loss minimization
Minimizing blood loss is always be considered for the best of the patient, especially for patience with anemia.
1. Lower blood pressure
Lower blood pressure helps to slower the blood flow, thus reducing the blood loss during surgery.
2. Position you body to reduce the blood flow, thus reducing the blood loss during surgery.
3. Using special medical instruments to minimize incision and control blood loss.
Etc.

B. Anemia and Cancer
Cancer is defined as condition of malignant tumors during abnormal cells growth as a result of alternation of cells DNA.

Under normal condition, if you blood cell is low, you kidney responds to the condition by stimulating the production of hormone erythropoietin to signal bone marrow to increase production of more red blood cells.

Causes of anemia in cancer patient
1. Organ deficiency
In case of cancer patient the process of above may be less effective due to organs insufficiency.
2. Chemotherapy
One of the side effect of chemotherapy is the preventing of your body in production of red blood cells.
3. Bone marrow deficiency
Due to cancer cells have spread to the bone marrow by certain types of cancers, such as leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas and breast cancer can reduce the bone marrow function in red blood cells production.
4. Nutrients deficiency
Poor absorptions in cancer patient is one of the causes of anemia due to deficiency of folate, vitamin B12 and iron.
5. Bleeding
Cancers in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts can cause bleeding of the surrounding tissues.
6. Etc.

After thought
Researchers found that increases the levels of hemoglobin and red blood count responds better in cancer treatments. High levels of red blood cells count and hemoglobin reduce the risk of recurring cancer.


C. Anemia and Immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS
Immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS is caused by Human immunodeficiency virus HIV, a lentivirus. It is defined as a health condition in which in which severe failure of the immune system in protecting our body from infection and irregular cell growth, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.

Anemia is a very common with people with HIV positive and the rate increases as the progression of the disease progression. Study found that approximately 30% of HIV positive people have anemia and 90% will have anemia at some point during their life time.

Anemia and HIV infection
1. HIV infection reduces the production of erthroprotein in stimaulating the production of red blood cells.
2. HIV infection affects the bone marrow function in production of red blood cells
3. Medicine use to treat HIV-infection may reduce the bone marrow function in red blood cells production.
4. HIV infection patient may be at risk of lymphoma, a cancer which may spread to the bone marrow.
5. Infection
Infection may suppress the bone marrow in production of red blood cells.
6. Nutrients
HIV infection prevent the digestive system in absorbing folate, vitamin B12 and iron, causing anemia.
7. Etc.

Research found that increasing levels of hemoglobin has a direct affect in the increasing survival of a person with HIV infection.

D. Anemia and Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a health condition of infectious disease affecting the liver that may cause inflammation of the liver. Approximate 1.5% of the U.S. population is infected with HCV. Once establish, the chronic infection may progress slowly, after many years it can lead to scares in the liver, causing fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure.

Causes of anemia in hepatitis C patient
1. Medication
Medication used to treat hepatitis C, such as Ribaverin often cause mild anemia with no treatment required. In other treatment, use of interferon can suppress the bone marrow function in production of red blood cells.
2. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver caused by hepatitic C virus. it can reduce the spleen function in production of reb blood cells or cause spleen to remove too many blood cells.
3. Bleeding
Cirrhosis can also promote bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Etc.

After thought
Since approximate 67% of patients will develop anemia when ribavirin and/or interferon is/are used to treat HCV,
1. Increasing red blood cells count is always important for the effectiveness of full dose of ribavirin and/or interferon in treating the diseases. Study showed that medicine used to stimulate red blood cell production are effective in treating anemia in people with hepatitis C.

2. If anemia left untreated, treatment of HCV with lower doses of ribavirin and/or interferon may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine or you doctor may discontinue treatment altogether.

E. Iron deficiency and anemia
Iron is defined simply as too little iron in the body for the production of hemoglobin. Anemia occurs when there isn't enough hemoglobin to transport oxygen to the body cells and organs need, leading to symptoms of irritability, fatigue, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, etc.. Approximate 2 out of 1000 people in Canada are considered iron deficiency. If your body delete the stored iron, it can cause no hemoglobin is produced, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

Causes of iron deficiency
1. Heavy menstruation
It may lead to iron deficiency if your body stored iron is depleted and your diet is considered low in iron.
2. Chronic internal bleeding usually caused by ulcers, polyps, or tumors can lead to low levels of iron stored in the body, leading to low levels of hemoglobin.
3. Nutrient deficiency
Diet low in folate, vitamin B12 and iron can increase the risk of iron deficiency.
4. Poor iron absorption due to inflammation.
5. Etc.
Iron deficiency can be detected with a blood test.

Foods contain high amount of iron
there are 2 types of iron in the foods
1. Heme iron
This type of iron is easily absorbed by our body and Foods contain high amount of heme iron are found in meat of all sources, including liver, beef, turkey, chicken, etc.
2. Non heme iron
This type of iron is not easily absorbed. Foods contain high amount of non heme iron are found in brocoli. spinach, soybean, kidney bean, etc.

Iron supplement such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous furmarate, etc. should only be taken with doctor subscription. Overdose of iron can be toxic to the body and has some side effects, such darken stool, constipation, stomach upset, etc.

How to reduce the risk of iron deficiency
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can enhance the digestive system in iron absorption. Foods contain high levels of vitamin C include broccoli, spinach, kiwi fruits, strawberry, etc.
2. Adding Heme iron in your diet
In take of meat, poultry, fish will increase the levels of iron due to its easily absorption nature
3. Coffee, tea and cocoa can reduce the iron abortion significantly.
4. Calcium and magnesium can reduce you body in iron absorption. If you are required to take them, take them at different time.
5. Etc.

F. Anemia In Teen and Children
In anemia, symptoms of early stage may be invisible to parents until it is progression state. If you notice any above symptoms of above with a pale face, taking your childern or teen to the doctor office and a blood test will review with correct interpretation.

Causes of anemia in Children and Teen
1. Infection
Chronic inflammation and infected virus will reduced the body in production of hemoglobin which is necessary in oxygen transportation.
2. Heredity
If you children and/or teen are diagnosis with certain chronic anemia such as Thalassemia, Sickle cell anemia due to inherited or genetic defects, intake of high amount of iron rich vegetables, fruits and some lean meat over a period of can help, or taking some supplements prescribed by your doctor.
3. Early infancy from 0 to 6 months
Most children born with 6 months of iron stored in their body without inherited anemia. After six months, if you are feeding your baby with breast milk, please make sure there is enough iron for the body needs, talk to your doctor will help to solve the problem. Infants born premature may be required intake of iron supplements or iron fortified formula depending of bottle feeding or breast feeding.
4. Teenager
Teenager under go growth spurt and teenage girl starts to menstruate will require intake of higher amount of iron either through diet ot iron supplements to avoid iron deficiency cause of anemia.
5. Nutrient deficiency
Deficiency of folate, vitamin B12 and iron increases the risk of anemia. Intake vitamin C will enhance the absorption of above.
6. Etc

Some general treatments
1. Diet
Diet with foods containing high amount of iron is always good to reduce the risk of anemia.
2. Low fat diet
Low fat diet is good for children, but starting low fat diet to your children too early in their life, it can increase the risk of anemia due to iron deficiency
3. Avoid giving cow's milk up to 12 months
Digestive system is not strong enough to digest them, thus reducing the nutrients absorption, including iron.
4. Cereal and iron fortified formula
Cereal contains high amount of iron, it is specially for women who breast feeding their infants. While feeding children with iron fortified formula after six months provides necessary iron which had been used up.
5. vitamin C
taking vitamin C with your diet will enhace the absorption of vital nutrients, including iron.
6. Iron supplements
Iron supplement should be only taken with your doctor prescription. Overdose of iron supplements is toxic to your body.
7. Blood transfusion
If necessary and you doctor will advice you about
8. Etc.

G. Anemia can be classified into acute and chronic anemia
Anemia due to chronic disease
is a types of blood disorder as a result effected by one or more chronic medical condition(s), causing reduced red blood cells production.

Acute anemia denotes as short term drops of red blood red cells production. Most of the times, it is caused heavy internal bleeding or blood loss due to injure. It is a serious problem, in most cases, it requires medical attention immediately.

Diagnosis

Anemia can be classified 3 different categories due to its causes of decreased red blood cell production, increased red blood cells destruction, and blood loss.

In chronic anemia, a simple blood test will review the underlie of the causes

1. Chronic anemia with iron deficiency

In this case, the levels of ferritin found in the test is normal or high but the cells are not releasing their iron because in iron deficiency anemia, the levels of ferritin is lower than normal.

2. Chronic anemia with iron deficiency
The levels of total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) should be lower in chronic anemia with iron deficiency, as it reflects the inability the body to produce more transferrin, making bind up of iron not necessary.

Types of chronic diseases that cause chronic anemia

If you are in medical treatments of any chronic disease, you may be given all kinds of information related to its affects, including anemia. Sometimes prescription is given ahead of time to prevent anemia before it can happen, other time, you may require to take some types of supplements or drugs, depending to your situation. There are many types of chronic diseases associated with anemia
1. Autoimmune Gastritis
Gastritis inflammatory condition of the stomach as a result of injured respond of white blood cells in the stomach. If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to chronic condition, causing pernicious anemia.
2. Peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcer is defined as a condition of
erosion of the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. It can lead to internal bleeding, causing chronic anemia, if left untreated.
3. Liver disease
Liver disease as a result of alcohol drinking can cause Macrocytosis, a condition of enlargement of red blood cells with near-constant hemoglobin concentration, leading to pernicious anemia. Other liver disease caused by hepatitis virus, can lead to decrease red blood cell count (hemoglobin), causing chronic anemia.
4. Kidney disease
kidney disease can affect the production of hormone erythropoietin, leading to reduced signal to bone marrow for increase production of more red blood cells.
5. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is defined as condition of deficiency of thyroid hormone. the main cause is due to Iodine deficiency, leading to iron-deficiency cause of chronic anemia, if left untreated. (insufficient iron)
6. Sickle cell disease
It is an genetic blood disorder disease passing from generation to generation with a abnormal red blood cells shapes as a result of a mutation in the haemoglobin gene.
7. Hypermenorrhea
Hypermenorrhea or ecessive heavy menstruation can be caused either by (uterine bleeding) hormonal disorders associted with absolute or relative hyperestrogenism due deficiency of progesterone or fibroid tumors (uterine leiomyomata), polyps and cancer
8. Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a disorder of abnormally low amount of platelets, leading to with abnormal bleeding.
9. Cancer
More information here
10. Poor diet
More information here
11. Iron deficiency
More information here
12. Etc.

Types of chronic anemia
1. Microcytic, hypochromic anemia
Microcytic, hypochromic anemia is defined as a chronoc anemia caused by many conditions including iron deficiency, Beta-Thalassemia trait, lead poisoning, chronic illness or inflammation, and sideroblastic anemia (Korones & Cohen, 1997; Wu et al., 2002)

2. Macrocytic anemia
Macrocytic anemia is defined as a condition of not having enough healthy red blood cells in body to transport oxygen and nutrients to the body tissue and organ as a result of insufficiency of vitamin B12.

3. Normocytic anemia
Normocytic anemia is a common disease, occurring to men and women over 85 years old as a result of low red blood cell volume as result of a decreased production of normal-sized red blood cells, an increased destruction or loss of red blood cells, deficiency of vitamin B6, B12, etc.

4. Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia is defined as a condition of not enough red blood cells in the blood, as a result of the premature destruction due to abnormal breaking down of red blood cells (hemolysis) either in the blood vessels or elsewhere in the body.

5. Etc.

For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

To Be continued

Anemia In Teen and Children

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here

Effects of Anemia
1. Infants
a. Delay of Mental growth
b. and psychomotor development
c. Etc.
Statistic tells that infant boys may have 10 times more risk than baby girls. The effects of above may be irreversible. Please make sure infants have enough iron as the iron stored in the body of infant is depleted six months of after birth.
2. Children
a. Unable to concentrate
b. Irritable
c. Lethargic
d. Etc.
It can lead to failure in school later on, if the problem is left untreated for a prolong period of time.
3. Teen
a. Poor cognitive
b. Interfere with school works
c. Behavior problem
d. Etc.

In amenia, symptoms of early stage may be invisible to parents until it is progression state. If you notice any above symptoms of above with a pale face, taking your childern or teen to the doctor office and a blood test will review with correct interpretation.

Causes of anemia in Children and Teen
1. Infection
Chronic inflammation and infected virus will reduced the body in production of hemoglobin which is necessary in oxygen transportation.
2. Heredity
If you children and/or teen are diagnosis with certain chronic anemia such as Thalassemia, Sickle cell anemia due to inherited or genetic defects, intake of high amount of iron rich vegetables, fruits and some lean meat over a period of can help, or taking some supplements prescribed by your doctor.
3. Early infancy from 0 to 6 months
Most children born with 6 months of iron stored in their body without inherited anemia. After six months, if you are feeding your baby with breast milk, please make sure there is enough iron for the body needs, talk to your doctor will help to solve the problem. Infants born premature may be required intake of iron supplements or iron fortified formula depending of bottle feeding or breast feeding.
4. Teenager
Teenager under go growth spurt and teenage girl starts to menstruate will require intake of higher amount of iron either through diet ot iron supplements to avoid iron deficiency cause of anemia.
5. Nutrient deficiency
Deficiency of folate, vitamin B12 and iron increases the risk of anemia. Intake vitamin C will enhance the absorption of above.
6. Etc

Some general treatments
1. Diet
Diet with foods containing high amount of iron is always good to reduce the risk of anemia.
2. Low fat diet
Low fat diet is good for children, but starting low fat diet to your children too early in their life, it can increase the risk of anemia due to iron deficiency
3. Avoid giving cow's milk up to 12 months
Digestive system is not strong enough to digest them, thus reducing the nutrients absorption, including iron.
4. Cereal and iron fortified formula
Cereal contains high amount of iron, it is specially for women who breast feeding their infants. While feeding children with iron fortified formula after six months provides necessary iron which had been used up.
5. vitamin C
taking vitamin C with your diet will enhace the absorption of vital nutrients, including iron.
6. Iron supplements
Iron supplement should be only taken with your doctor prescription. Overdose of iron supplements is toxic to your body.
7. Blood transfusion
If necessary and you doctor will advice you about
8. Etc.


For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Anemia and Hepatitis C

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here

Hepatitis C is a health condition of infectious disease affecting the liver that may cause inflammation of the liver. Approximate 1.5% of the U.S. population is infected with HCV. Once establish, the chronic infection may progress slowly, after many years it can lead to scares in the liver, causing fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure.

Causes of anemia in hepatitis C patient
1. Medication
Medication used to treat hepatitis C, such as Ribaverin often cause mild anemia with no treatment required. In other treatment, use of interferon can suppress the bone marrow function in production of red blood cells.
2. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver caused by hepatitic C virus. it can reduce the spleen function in production of reb blood cells or cause spleen to remove too many blood cells.
3. Bleeding
Cirrhosis can also promote bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Etc.

After thought
Since approximate 67% of patients will develop anemia when ribavirin and/or interferon is/are used to treat HCV,
1. Increasing red blood cells count is always important for the effectiveness of full dose of ribavirin and/or interferon in treating the diseases. Study showed that medicine used to stimulate red blood cell production are effective in treating anemia in people with hepatitis C.

2. If anemia left untreated, treatment of HCV with lower doses of ribavirin and/or interferon may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine or you doctor may discontinue treatment altogether.

For other cancers or health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Anemia and Iron Deficiency

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here

Iron deficiency and anemia
Iron is defined simply as too little iron in the body for the production of hemoglobin. Anemia occurs when there isn't enough hemoglobin to transport oxygen to the body cells and organs need, leading to symptoms of irritability, fatigue, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, etc.. Approximate 2 out of 1000 people in Canada are considered iron deficiency. If your body delete the stored iron, it can cause no hemoglobin is produced, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

Causes of iron deficiency
1. Heavy menstruation
It may lead to iron deficiency if your body stored iron is depleted and your diet is considered low in iron.
2. Chronic internal bleeding usually caused by ulcers, polyps, or tumors can lead to low levels of iron stored in the body, leading to low levels of hemoglobin.
3. Nutrient deficiency
Diet low in folate, vitamin B12 and iron can increase the risk of iron deficiency.
4. Poor iron absorption due to inflammation.
5. Etc.
Iron deficiency can be detected with a blood test.

Foods contain high amount of iron
there are 2 types of iron in the foods
1. Heme iron
This type of iron is easily absorbed by our body and Foods contain high amount of heme iron are found in meat of all sources, including liver, beef, turkey, chicken, etc.
2. Non heme iron
This type of iron is not easily absorbed. Foods contain high amount of non heme iron are found in brocoli. spinach, soybean, kidney bean, etc.

Iron supplement such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous furmarate, etc. should only be taken with doctor subscription. Overdose of iron can be toxic to the body and has some side effects, such darken stool, constipation, stomach upset, etc.

How to reduce the risk of iron deficiency
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can enhance the digestive system in iron absorption. Foods contain high levels of vitamin C include broccoli, spinach, kiwi fruits, strawberry, etc.
2. Adding Heme iron in your diet
In take of meat, poultry, fish will increase the levels of iron due to its easily absorption nature
3. Coffee, tea and cocoa can reduce the iron abortion significantly.
4. Calcium and magnesium can reduce you body in iron absorption. If you are required to take them, take them at different time.
5. Etc.


For other health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Anemia and HIV/AIDS

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here
Immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS is caused by Human immunodeficiency virus HIV, a lentivirus. It is defined as a health condition in which in which severe failure of the immune system in protecting our body from infection and irregular cell growth, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.

Anemia is a very common with people with HIV positive and the rate increases as the progression of the disease progression. Study found that approximately 30% of HIV positive people have anemia and 90% will have anemia at some point during their life time.

Anemia and HIV infection
1. HIV infection reduces the production of erthroprotein in stimaulating the production of red blood cells.
2. HIV infection affects the bone marrow function in production of red blood cells
3. Medicine use to treat HIV-infection may reduce the bone marrow function in red blood cells production.
4. HIV infection patient may be at risk of lymphoma, a cancer which may spread to the bone marrow.
5. Infection
Infection may suppress the bone marrow in production of red blood cells.
6. Nutrients
HIV infection prevent the digestive system in absorbing folate, vitamin B12 and iron, causing anemia.
7. Etc.

Research found that increasing levels of hemoglobin has a direct affect in the increasing survival of a person with HIV infection.

For other cancers or health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Anemia and Cancer

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here
Cancer is defined as condition of malignant tumors during abnormal cells growth as a result of alternation of cells DNA.

Under normal condition, if you blood cell is low, you kidney responds to the condition by stimulating the production of hormone erythropoietin to signal bone marrow to increase production of more red blood cells.

Causes of anemia in cancer patient
1. Organ deficiency
In case of cancer patient the process of above may be less effective due to organs insufficiency.
2. Chemotherapy
One of the side effect of chemotherapy is the preventing of your body in production of red blood cells.
3. Bone marrow deficiency
Due to cancer cells have spread to the bone marrow by certain types of cancers, such as leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas and breast cancer can reduce the bone marrow function in red blood cells production.
4. Nutrients deficiency
Poor absorptions in cancer patient is one of the causes of anemia due to deficiency of folate, vitamin B12 and iron.
5. Bleeding
Cancers in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts can cause bleeding of the surrounding tissues.
6. Etc.

After thought
Researchers found that increases the levels of hemoglobin and red blood count responds better in cancer treatments. High levels of red blood cells count and hemoglobin reduce the risk of recurring cancer.

For other cancers or health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Anemia and Surgery

Anemia is defined as a health condition in which our body do not have enough red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry the function of delivery oxygen and nutrient to the tissue, including organs and cells. To read more about Anemia, click here
People with anemia are at risk during and after surgery due to not enough of red blood cells and sometime it can cause perioperative anemia as a result of losing too much blood, leading to insufficient hemoglobin to carry oxygen and nutrients for our body's organs and cells need.

1. Benefit of treating Anemia before surgery
If you are required surgery for whatever reasons, there are something you should consider to prevent complication during and after surgery.
Increase your red blood cells count or raise level of hemoglobin will reduce the need for blood transfusion during surgery, especial surgery that result in heavy blood loss.
1. Intake of foods with rich of folate, vitamin B12 and iron such as peas, lentil, soybeans and chickpeas, etc.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for the absorption of iron by increasing intake of vitamin C rich vegetables and fruits such as kiwi fruit, strawberries, and cantaloupes.
To increase to red blood cells, your doctor may prescribe
3. Vitamin pills
Folate, Vitamin B12, vitamin C and iron
4. Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents
ESAs are given by injection or intravenously (through an IV) to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, thus raising the level of hemoglobin.
5. Contraceptive pill
Women who take the pill have reduced bleeding during period.
6. Etc.

It is important that you increase your red red blood cells well before the surgery to avoid the needs of blood transfusion, staying in hospital longer and decreasing the speed of healing of your incision and surgery.

Types of blood transfusion if necessary
You surgeon will suggest some of the best options for blood transfusion if necessary during surgery, please make sure you well understood and make your choice
1. Autologous transfusion
This may be a good choice, it is a blood transfusion that uses you own blood that has been previous stored, donated before the surgery, during an operation or post-operation.
2. Allogeneic transfusion
The type of blood transfusion with the use of donated blood
3. Collect and return
With the use of a special medical machine to collect your blood during or before surgery, then return them to your body following surgery.
4. Etc.

Blood loss minimization
Minimizing blood loss is always be considered for the best of the patient, especially for patience with anemia.
1. Lower blood pressure
Lower blood pressure helps to slower the blood flow, thus reducing the blood loss during surgery.
2. Position you body to reduce the blood flow, thus reducing the blood loss during surgery.
3. Using special medical instruments to minimize incision and control blood loss.
Etc.

For other cancers or health articles, please visit http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton