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Questions and Answers
Which type of anemia is characterized by a decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV)?
In iron deficiency anemia, which of the following is the primary cause of the reduced red blood cell production?
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of thalassemia?
In a patient with hemolytic anemia, which of the following compensatory mechanisms is typically observed in the bone marrow?
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Which of the following is a common cause of hemolytic anemia?
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What is the primary physiological effect of anemia on the body?
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Which of the following is the hallmark feature of sickle cell anemia?
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Which of the following is the most common cause of megaloblastic anemia?
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What is the characteristic physical appearance associated with beta-thalassemia major?
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Which of the following is the definitive treatment for sickle cell anemia?
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Which of the following is a common complication of polycythemia vera?
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Which of the following is the main treatment for beta-thalassemia major?
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What is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia?
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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the anemia of chronic disease?
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What is the most common cause of megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency?
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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of thalassemia?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of hemolytic anemia?
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What is the primary mechanism of red blood cell destruction in extravascular hemolytic anemia?
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Which of the following is a hereditary cause of hemolytic anemia?
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In the case of chronic blood loss, how does the bone marrow compensate?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of thalassemia?
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What is the primary mechanism of red blood cell destruction in intravascular hemolytic anemia?
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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of iron deficiency anemia?
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What is a common gastrointestinal syndrome that can lead to folic acid deficiency anemia?
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Which of the following is a key symptom of megaloblastic anemia?
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What is the main treatment for anemia of chronic disease?
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In which population is the mutation for β-thalassemia most common?
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What is the primary cause of microcytic and hypochromic red cells in iron deficiency anemia?
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What is the underlying cause of polycythemia vera?
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Which of the following conditions can increase the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida due to folic acid deficiency?
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What is the hallmark physical appearance associated with beta-thalassemia major?
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What is the primary treatment for megaloblastic anemias caused by vitamin B12 deficiency?
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Study Notes
Blood Composition and Lifecycle
- Old red blood cells undergo lysis; some heme components are excreted while others are reused.
- Reticulocytes serve as precursors to mature erythrocytes (red blood cells).
- Senescent RBCs are phagocytosed by macrophages in the spleen and liver.
- Average life span of RBCs is approximately 120 days.
Erythropoietin and Iron Requirements
- Erythropoietin is produced by kidneys in response to hypoxia, stimulating the production of erythroblasts in bone marrow.
- Bone marrow can increase RBC formation rate to about 30 million cells per second during recovery from blood loss.
- Hemoglobin synthesis necessitates dietary iron, which comprises roughly 65% of the body's iron stores (around 4,000 mg).
Red Blood Cell Disorders
- Disorders include underproduction (anemia) and overproduction (polycythemia).
- Diagnosis relies on RBC indices via complete blood count (CBC) and microscopic examination of blood smears.
Reference Ranges for Red Blood Cells
- Hematocrit (%): Men 39-49, Women 33-43
- Red Cell Count (106/μL): Men 4.3-5.9, Women 3.5-5.0
- Hemoglobin (gm/dL): Men 13.6-17.2, Women 12.0-15.0
- Mean Cell Volume (μm³): 82-96
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (pg): 27-33
- Normal hemoglobin levels in children: 11.0 to 16.0 g/dL
Anemia Overview
- Anemia results in impaired oxygen delivery due to reduced red blood cell proportion.
- It is classified as blood loss (hemorrhagic), increased destruction (hemolytic), or insufficient production due to deficiencies or bone marrow failure.
Anemia Symptoms and Signs
- Common symptoms include weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath.
- Physical signs may include tachycardia, hypotension, and cold skin.
- Additional effects can include pica (eating non-food substances) and koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails).
Anemia Classification by Erythrocyte Size
- Microcytic Anemia: MCV <80 fL (e.g., Iron deficiency anemia).
- Normocytic Anemia: MCV 80-100 fL.
- Macrocytic Anemia: MCV >100 fL (e.g., Vitamin B12 deficiency).
Blood Loss and Anemia
- Acute blood loss conditions can arise from trauma or surgery and may lead to shock.
- Chronic blood loss is often linked to gastrointestinal or genitourinary sources, depleting iron reserves and leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Hemolytic Anemia Characteristics
- Occurs when RBC destruction exceeds production.
- Involves increased levels of bilirubin and reticulocyte count due to compensatory bone marrow activity.
- Hemolysis can be categorized as intravascular or extravascular.
Types of Hemolytic Anemia
- Hereditary Spherocytosis: Autosomal dominant condition; RBC membrane issue leads to spherocyte formation.
- Sickle Cell Anemia: Autosomal recessive mutation in β-globin causing sickling of RBCs, leading to pain crises and tissue ischemia.
- Thalassemia: Genetic defect resulting in abnormal hemoglobin production.
Clinical Manifestations of Hemolytic Anemia
- Patients may present with anemia and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) in hereditary spherocytosis and other symptoms like retinopathy in sickle cell anemia.
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Learn about the characteristics, genetic mutation, prevalence, symptoms, and treatment of sickle cell anemia. Understand how sickle cells can lead to retinal complications and the use of hydroxyurea in managing the condition.
