Case 5

A 38 year old lady is referred to the Emergency Department by her GP with a haemoglobin of 5.0g/dL.

She attended her GP a few days previously complaining of several months of lethargy, SOB on exertion and intermittent palpitations. She has a past history of PCOS and describes a long history of menorrhagia.

On examination she is pale but otherwise looks well.

HR 90

RR16

Sats 98% RA

100/60

Afebrile

Question 1

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Question 2

What findings do you look for on physical examination?

Question 3

What other causes are there for symptomatic anaemia?