448The employee’s previous sexual functioning should be considered.

448     The employee’s previous sexual functioning should be considered.

449     Impairment of the peripheral nervous system is assessed using the methodology for assessing the lower and upper extremities described in Chapter 9 – Musculoskeletal system.

Table 12.9: Neurological impairment affecting sexual function

| 10 | Sexual functioning is possible, but with difficulty of erection or ejaculation in men, or lack of awareness, excitement or lubrication in either sex. | | 15 | Reflex sexual functioning is possible, but there is no awareness. | | 20 | No sexual functioning. |

CHAPTER 13 – THE HAEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM

13.0   Introduction

450     In conducting an assessment, the assessor must have regard to the Principles of Assessment and the definitions contained in the Glossary.

13.1   Anaemia

451     Iron deficiency anaemia and megaloblastic anaemia are generally manageable with proper treatment and should not cause permanent impairment. Some haemolytic anaemias are reversible with appropriate therapy, such as steroids or splenectomy, and also should result in negligible impairment.

452     The impairment resulting from persistent refractory anaemia, whether haemolytic or aplastic, is assessed using Table 13.1: Anaemia.

Table 13.1: Anaemia

See note to Table 13.1 for further information.

| %WPI | Haemoglobin level | Transfusion requirements | | 0 | 100-120g/L | None | | 10 | 80-100g/L | None | | 20 | 80-100g/L | 2 units every 6 weeks | | 40 | <80g/L | 2-3 units every 4 to 6 weeks | | 60 | <80g/L | 2-3 units every 2-3 weeks |

Note to Table 13.1.

1. The haemoglobin levels referred to in Table 13.1 are the levels prior to transfusion.

13.2   Leukocyte abnormalities or disease

453     Chronic low white cell counts (for example, neutropenia) are usually associated with substantially increased risk of infection. Impairment is measured in terms of the infection.

454     Neoplastic disorders of leukocytes include leukaemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and macroglobulinaemia. Some of these disorders (chronic lymphatic leukaemia, hairy cell leukaemia, and some lymphomas) may cause no impairment for many years.

455     Similarly, multiple myeloma and macroglobulinaemia may be initially asymptomatic, and cause no gastrointestinal haemorrhage, bone pain, or need for chemotherapy or radiation.