MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Morphology changes of red cells can be detected in most thalassemia carriers: Microcytosis, hypochromia, and anisopoikilocytosis (variation in the size and shape of red cells) are the most typical changes. Other less common findings are basophilic stippling and the presence of some target cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -In people with beta thalassemia, low levels of hemoglobin reduce oxygen levels in the body. Affected individuals also have a shortage of red blood cells (anemia ), which can cause pale skin, weakness, fatigue, and more serious complications.

Detailed explanation-3: -A large number of elliptocytes (25 to 75% of the red cells) usually indicates hereditary elliptocytosis. Moderate numbers of elliptocytes are seen in thalassemia and myelofibrosis, and lesser numbers in iron deficiency and hypersplenic states.