Rosh Emergency Medicine Practice Test

What is the most likely cause of the patient's anemia in a case of chronic alcohol use?

1. Chronic alcohol use

2. Chronic kidney disease

3. Diet dominant in white rice and cereal

4. Proton pump inhibitor use

The correct answer is: Chronic alcohol use

Chronic alcohol use is indeed a significant factor contributing to anemia in patients due to several mechanisms. Alcohol can lead to direct bone marrow suppression, which affects the production of red blood cells, a condition known as aplastic anemia. Additionally, chronic alcohol consumption may result in poor nutrition, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12 and folate that are crucial for red blood cell production. Furthermore, alcohol can cause gastrointestinal bleeding or malabsorption issues, further exacerbating anemia due to a decrease in iron absorption and chronic blood loss. Thus, the direct impact of chronic alcohol use on bone marrow and nutrition makes it the most likely cause of anemia in this scenario. In contrast, while chronic kidney disease can cause anemia due to a lack of erythropoietin production, it is not as directly linked to the mechanisms associated with chronic alcohol use as the direct effects of alcohol. Similarly, dietary factors or the use of proton pump inhibitors may contribute to anemia but are not as prevalent or likely in patients with chronic alcohol use as the direct effects of the alcohol itself.