haemolytic anaemia

Question 1

what substrates are needed for normal RBC deformation?

Answer 1

iron 
B12 
folate
globin genes 
protoporphyrin

Question 2

what is the definition of haemolysis?

Answer 2

shortened RBC survival

Question 3

if haemolysis occurs, give one way in which the body tries to compensate?

Answer 3

overproduction of RBCs

Question 4

how may this compensatory mechanism affect the level of reticulocytes in circulation?

Answer 4

high reticulocyte count

Question 5

give 3 laboratory results you would expect to find in a FBC of a person with haemolytic anaemia?

Answer 5

increased reticulocyte
increased unconjugated bilirubin
high lactate dehydrogenase
low haptoglobin

Question 6

what is the alternative name for beta-thalassaemia? what is it usually caused by?

Answer 6

thalassaemia major

point mutation

Question 7

if a blood sample of a person with beta-thalassaemia was taken, what would you expect to find?

Answer 7

low Hb
low MCV
low MCH
increased RBC count

Question 8

give 1 cure for thalassaemia major?

Answer 8

bone marrow transplant

Question 9

what point mutation causes the development of sickle cell anaemia?
give one way in which the 2 AA differ

Answer 9

position 6 = glutamic acid to valine

glutamic acid is hydrophilic and valine is hydrophobic