Questions and Answers
What does a low reticulocyte count in B12 deficiency indicate?
Which laboratory abnormality is specifically indicative of autoimmune pernicious anemia?
Which of the following is a primary measure of iron storage?
What could a leukopenia in B12 deficiency signify?
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Which of the following conditions is associated with a low serum vitamin B12 level?
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Which abnormal lab finding suggests a possible iron deficiency accompanying B12 deficiency?
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Study Notes
Iron Metabolism and Testing
- Serum Ferritin: Indicates iron storage levels in the body.
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Measures transferrin; important for binding iron in the bloodstream.
- Serum Iron: Reflects the amount of circulating iron available in the blood.
B12 Deficiency Laboratory Abnormalities
- Macrocytic Anemia: Characterized by the presence of larger-than-normal red blood cells.
- Normocytic Anemia: May be observed with increased red cell distribution width if iron deficiency exists.
- Reticulocyte Count: Typically low in cases of B12 deficiency, indicating inadequate red blood cell production.
- Leukopenia and/or Thrombocytopenia: Mild reductions in white blood cells and platelets may occur.
- Hypersegmented Neutrophils: Identification on blood smears serves as a key indicator of B12 deficiency.
- Serum Vitamin B12 Level: Often found to be low in patients with deficiency.
- Elevated Serum Homocysteine and Methylmalonic Acid: These metabolites increase when B12 is deficient.
- Anti-Intrinsic Factor Antibodies: Can indicate autoimmune pernicious anemia; a potential cause of B12 deficiency.
- Pancytopenia: Represents a decrease in all blood cell types, which may be associated with severe B12 deficiency.
Hematological Findings
- Salmon Patch: A type of skin finding associated with various conditions.
- Black Sunbursts and Iridescent Spots of Hemosiderin: Reflect iron deposits in tissues.
- Silver Wiring: Observed in the context of retinal findings associated with various diseases.
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Description
This quiz focuses on laboratory abnormalities associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency, highlighting key measurements such as serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity, and serum iron. Understand how these factors contribute to conditions like macrocytic anemia and the significance of blood smear findings.
