MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

ABDOMINAL

THALASSEMIA

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Which of the following laboratory findings is inconsistent with b-thalassemia minor?
A
A slightly elevated RBC count and marked microcytosis
B
Target cells and basophilic stippling on the peripheral blood film
C
Hemoglobin level of 10 to 13 g/dL
D
Elevated MCHC and spherocytic RBCs
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -In heterozygous thalassemia, the peripheral smear may be more abnormal than that of iron deficiency, and the MCV and MCH are decreased; but the MCHC is normal in contrast to the decreased MCHC seen in advanced iron deficiency anemia.

Detailed explanation-2: -Patients who have thalassemia have an anemia associated with microcytosis (low MCV) and hypochromia (low MCH), although the extent of anemia can be highly variable.

There is 1 question to complete.