Issue: 2020 > April > review

Anaemia: A disease or symptom



REVIEW
D.A. Newhall, R. Oliver, S. Lugthart
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Abstract

Anaemia is a common diagnosis for clinicians. This mini-review summarises criteria for diagnosing the cause of anaemia. Within the microcytic anaemias, iron-deficient anaemia is most common. In addition, we would like to raise awareness of thalassaemia as a differential diagnosis. A normocytic anaemia, such as anaemia of chronic disease, is a diagnosis of exclusion. A macrocytic anaemia scheme is provided and differentiates based on reticulocyte count. We aim to provide the readers a clear overview of anaemia and when to refer to haematologists.