Anemia OMS Classification: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding anemia is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, can lead to a range of symptoms and complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a detailed classification of anemia, which helps in diagnosing and managing the condition effectively. Let’s delve into the various aspects of the WHO classification of anemia.
Types of Anemia Based on Etiology
The WHO classification of anemia is primarily based on its etiology, which refers to the underlying cause of the condition. Here are the main types of anemia based on etiology:
| Type of Anemia | Underlying Cause |
|---|---|
| Iron-deficiency anemia | Insufficient iron intake, increased iron requirements, or impaired iron absorption |
| Vitamin deficiency anemia | Deficiency in vitamins such as vitamin B12, vitamin A, or vitamin E |
| Hemolytic anemia | Increased destruction of red blood cells |
| Aplastic anemia | Reduced production of red blood cells due to bone marrow dysfunction |
| Chronic disease anemia | Underlying chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, or rheumatoid arthritis |
Classification Based on Severity
The severity of anemia is an important factor in determining the appropriate treatment. The WHO classification of anemia based on severity is as follows:
- Mild anemia: Hemoglobin levels between 10.0 and 11.9 g/dL
- Moderate anemia: Hemoglobin levels between 7.0 and 9.9 g/dL
- Severe anemia: Hemoglobin levels below 7.0 g/dL
Classification Based on Age Group
The WHO classification of anemia also considers the age group of the patient. Here’s how anemia is classified based on age group:
- Newborns: Hemoglobin levels below 14.0 g/dL for males and 13.0 g/dL for females
- Children and adolescents: Hemoglobin levels below 11.0 g/dL for males and 10.5 g/dL for females
- Adults: Hemoglobin levels below 12.0 g/dL for males and 11.0 g/dL for females
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing anemia involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The WHO recommends the following diagnostic tests:
- Hemoglobin level measurement
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) to determine the type of anemia
- Red blood cell indices to assess the severity of anemia
Management of anemia depends on its underlying cause. Here are some common treatment approaches:
- Iron-deficiency anemia: Iron supplementation, dietary changes, and addressing the underlying cause
- Vitamin deficiency anemia: Vitamin supplementation and dietary changes
- Hemolytic anemia: Identifying and treating the underlying cause, blood transfusions, and splenectomy in some cases
- Aplastic anemia: Bone marrow transplantation, blood transfusions, and supportive care
- Chronic disease anemia: Managing the underlying chronic disease and blood transfusions if necessary
Prevention and Public Health Strategies
Preventing anemia involves addressing the underlying causes and promoting healthy lifestyles. Here are some public health strategies to prevent anemia:
