MCQ Hematology Answer 25

The Correct Answer is D


Explanation:

Recognize a clinical history suspicious for two-gene [agr ]-thalassemia. Deletion of two [agr ] genes (-[agr ]/-[agr ] or -/[agr ][agr ]) results in mild to moderate microcytosis and mild anemia, rarely with any progression or development of other signs or symptoms. It is probably the most common hemoglobinopathy in the world, and the combination of one-gene or two-gene [agr ]-thalassemia has an incidence of 20% or more among blacks.

It is often mistaken for iron deficiency anemia, and menstruating women with two-gene [agr ]-thalassemia are often treated for prolonged periods with iron supplementation because it is presumed that the mild microcytic anemia is due to iron deficiency.

A hemoglobin electrophoresis is a useful test for β-thalassemia wherein one looks for increased levels of hemoglobin A2 and hemoglobin F. However, hemoglobin electrophoresis is generally not helpful for the diagnosis of an [agr ]-thalassemia disorder.

A globin chain synthesis study is generally required for a conclusive diagnosis. Because these studies are not routinely available, [agr ]-thalassemias are often diagnosed presumptively by ruling out other possibilities

Category: Hematology MCQs