Which of the following is part of the mnemonic TAILS for microcytic anemias?

Which of the following is part of the mnemonic TAILS for microcytic anemias?

• A. Anemia of chronic disease
• B. Aplastic anemia
• C. Vitamin B12 deficiency
• D. Polycythemia vera

Answer: (A)

The mnemonic TAILS helps to remember the differential diagnoses for microcytic anemias, specifically focusing on the various causes of anemia that present with small red blood cells. The components of TAILS are Thalassemia, Anemia of chronic disease, Iron deficiency anemia, Lead poisoning, and Sideroblastic anemia. In this context, anemia of chronic disease is acknowledged as a key factor. This condition often causes microcytic anemia due to the effects of chronic inflammation on iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. Chronic diseases may lead to sequestration of iron in macrophages and decreased production of erythropoietin, exacerbating anemia. The other disorders listed do not contribute to the TAILS mnemonic for microcytic anemias. Aplastic anemia generally results in a normocytic process due to a lack of red blood cell production. Vitamin B12 deficiency typically leads to macrocytic anemia, where red blood cells are larger than normal. Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative disorder associated with an increase in red blood cell mass, which does not align with the characteristics of microcytic anemias. Thus, identifying anemia of chronic disease as part of TAILS accurately

The mnemonic TAILS helps to remember the differential diagnoses for microcytic anemias, specifically focusing on the various causes of anemia that present with small red blood cells. The components of TAILS are Thalassemia, Anemia of chronic disease, Iron deficiency anemia, Lead poisoning, and Sideroblastic anemia.

In this context, anemia of chronic disease is acknowledged as a key factor. This condition often causes microcytic anemia due to the effects of chronic inflammation on iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. Chronic diseases may lead to sequestration of iron in macrophages and decreased production of erythropoietin, exacerbating anemia.

The other disorders listed do not contribute to the TAILS mnemonic for microcytic anemias. Aplastic anemia generally results in a normocytic process due to a lack of red blood cell production. Vitamin B12 deficiency typically leads to macrocytic anemia, where red blood cells are larger than normal. Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative disorder associated with an increase in red blood cell mass, which does not align with the characteristics of microcytic anemias. Thus, identifying anemia of chronic disease as part of TAILS accurately