Exxcellence pearls: anemia in pregnancy with normal iron studies

Question 0

What ethnic origin is associated with alpha thalassemia?

Beta thalassemia?

Answer 0

Asian.

Mediterranean.

Question 1

What will hemoglobin electrophoresis of alpha thalassemia carriers typically show?

How is diagnosis of alpha thalassemia trait confirmed?

Answer 1

Normal.

Molecular evaluation to detect deletions or mutations of the alpha chain.

Question 2

Why should iron be avoided in people with alpha or beta thalassemia trait?

What treatment should be recommended?

Answer 2

They typically have increased iron stores due to increased absorption.

Folic acid.

Question 4

If both parents are carriers of an alpha or beta thalassemia gene, what is the risk of having an affected child?

Answer 4

25% (autosomal recessive 16p deletion)