haematology

Question 1

common cause of iron deficiency in infants and why

Answer 1

-inadequate intake of iron

-additional iron is required for the increase in blood volume accompanying growth and to build up the child’s iron stores

Question 2

clinical presentation of iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 2

tire easily
feed more slowly
pale
pica

Question 3

blood results in iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 3

microcytic hypochromic (low MCV and MCH)
low serum ferritin

Question 4

management for iron deficiency

Answer 4

dietary advice
iron supplements

Question 5

pattern of inheritance in thalassaemia

Answer 5

autosomal recessive

Question 6

what is thalassaemia

Answer 6

genetic defect in the protein chains that make up Hb

Question 7

clinical presentation of thalassaemia

Answer 7

jaundice
gallstones
poor growth and development
hepatosplenomegaly
bone marrow expansion - pronounced forehead and malar eminences

Question 8

management of beta thalassaemia

Answer 8

regular blood transfusions - can lead to iron overload

Question 9

Complications of blood transfusion

Answer 9

can lead to iron overload-
cardiac failure, liver cirrhosis, dm, infertility and growth failure

Question 10

management for iron overload

Answer 10

iron chelation

Question 11

what is fanconi anaemia

Answer 11

form of aplastic anaemia that is genetically inherited (autosomal recessive)

Question 12

clinical presentation of fanconi anaemia

Answer 12

short
thumb and radial anomalies
pigmented skin lesions e.g. cafe au lait spots
small eyes
small head
renal malformations
signs of bone marrow failure

Question 13

risks of fanconi

Answer 13

increased risk of AML, cancers of head and neck
bone marrow failure

Question 14

management for fanconi

Answer 14

bone marrow transplantation