Snapshot A 22-year-old Vietnamese woman presents for a routine gyn exam. Her menstrual cycle is normal, and there is no evidence of other bleeding. Guaiac is negative. Her hemoglobin is at 11 (12-16), RBC is 5.8 (3.5-5.5), and an MCV of 70 (80-100) with a normal RDW of 10. WBC and platelets are normal. Hemoglobin electrophoresis shows an increase in the amount of Hgb A2, and Hgb F. Introduction Autosomal recessive disease caused by decreased production of hemoglobin may involve mutations in α (α-thalassemia) or β (β-thalassemia) globin gene There are 4 α genes (2 on each chromosome) and 2 β genes that make up three forms of Hgb Hgb A subunits: α,α,β,β 96-98% of adult hemoglobin Hgb A2 subunits: α,α,δ,δ present in trace amounts in adults. Hgb F subunits: α,α,γ,γ declines in the first year of life cannot bind 2,3 DPG so has a left-shifted curve α-thalassemia types 1 gene deletion is asymptomatic 2 gene deletion is associated with a mild anemia with RBC hyperplasia called α-thalassemia trait seen in Asians and Africans Asians more commonly have a deletion of two α genes on 1 chromosome (cis deletion) Africans more commonly have a deletion of 1 α gene from each chromosome (trans deletion) 3 gene deletion is associated with severe anemia 4 gene deletion is not compatible with life will cause hydrops fetalis β-thalassemia types 1 gene involvement called β-thalassemia minor chain may be truncated (β+) or deleted (β0) β/β+ is the most benign form may be caused by mutation in Kozak consensus sequence 2 gene involvement called β-thalassemia major β0/β0 is the most severe form α,α,α,α hemoglobin present Presentation Symptoms α-thalassemia mild anemia in 2 gene deletion severe anemia in 3 gene deletion symptoms being at birth β-thalassemia minor form largely asymptomatic intermedia form hypochromic, microcytic anemia major form severe anemia symptoms begin after several months of life due to initial presence of HbF chipmunk facies secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis in the skull Physical exam β-thalassemia major form hepatosplenomegaly due to chronic hemolysis, additionally exacerbated by extramedullary hematopoiesis in these organs Evaluation Peripheral smear 3 gene deletion α-thalassemia target, hypochromic, microcytic cells, with Heinz bodies from HbH β-thalassemia minor target, hypochromic, microcytic cells β-thalassemia major nucleated RBCs target, hypochromic, microcytic cells Hemoglobin gel-electrophoresis α-thalassemia trait normal 3 gene deletion α-thalassemia HbH (β,β,β,β) 4 gene deletion α-thalassemia Hb Barts (γ,γ,γ,γ) β-thalassemia minor ↑ HbA2, HbF ↓ HbA β-thalassemia major ↑ HbA2, HbF no HbA Imaging β-thalassemia major hair-on-end/crew cut appearance of the skull secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis in the skull Treatment β-thalassemia major frequent transfusions required can cause iron overload and hemochromatosis Prognosis, Prevention, and Complications β-thalassemia major ↑ risk of B19-mediated aplastic crises Thalassemia trait protects against malaria
QUESTIONS 1 of 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Previous Next Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (M1.HE.14.48) A 23-year-old Sicilian male presents to his primary care physician complaining of lethargy, joint pain, and urinary frequency. Vitals signs include T 98.7 F, HR 96 bpm, BP 135/71 mm/Hg, RR 18 breaths/minute, O2 99%. Laboratory findings include: random glucose 326 mg/dL, Hemoglobin 7.1, and elevated reticulocyte count and transferrin saturation. The patient is not surprised that his "blood level is low" and suggests that he might need another transfusion. An echocardiogram demonstrates restrictive cardiomyopathy. The disorder with which this patient presents can be characterized by which of the following? Tested Concept QID: 106320 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Absence of the hemoglobin alpha-chain 7% (10/151) 2 Absence of the hemoglobin beta-chain 60% (91/151) 3 Presence of the fetal hemoglobin 4% (6/151) 4 Mutation resulting in increased iron absorption 23% (35/151) 5 Mutations resulting in copper accumulation 5% (7/151) M 1 Question Complexity E Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 2 Review tested concept (M1.HE.14.131) A 7-year-old male is brought to his pediatrician for an annual physical. Routine blood work demonstrates hematocrit of 35% and a mean corpuscular volume of 72 fL. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is within normal limits. His peripheral blood smear is shown in Figure A. Electrophoresis demonstrates slightly diminished HbA1, elevated HbA2 and and normal HbF. Of the following, which is the most appropriate next step in management? Tested Concept QID: 104771 FIGURES: A Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Splenectomy 6% (11/184) 2 Folic acid supplementation 3% (5/184) 3 Blood transfusion 21% (38/184) 4 No treatment is necessary 56% (103/184) 5 Iron supplementation 12% (23/184) M 3 Question Complexity D Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 4 Review tested concept (M1.HE.13.20) The Kozak sequence for the Beta-globin gene has a known mutation which decreases, though does not abolish, translation of the Beta-globin mRNA, leading to a phenotype of thalassemia intermedia. What would the blood smear be expected to show in a patient positive for this mutation? Tested Concept QID: 100085 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Macrocytic red blood cells 3% (6/222) 2 Hyperchromic red blood cells 4% (8/222) 3 Microcytic red blood cells 79% (175/222) 4 Bite cells 6% (13/222) 5 Ringed sideroblasts 8% (18/222) M 2 Question Complexity E Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 3 Review tested concept (M1.HE.13.47) A 28-year-old male is found to have 93% HbA, 2% HbF, and 5% HbA2 on hemoglobin electrophoresis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? Tested Concept QID: 101357 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Sickle cell trait 8% (14/184) 2 Alpha thalassemia major with Hb Bart's 8% (15/184) 3 Beta-thalassemia minor 67% (123/184) 4 Beta-thalassemia major 12% (23/184) 5 Diabetes mellitus 2% (4/184) M 2 Question Complexity E Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 3 Review tested concept