Infant Blood Count

Question 1

A two-month-old child has a blood count performed when being admitted for a hernia repair. The haemoglobin level is 97 g/L.

In light of the child’s age, what is the likely interpretation of these results?

Question 1Select one:

a.
Iron-deficiency anaemia

b.
Haemolytic disease

c.
Normal haemoglobin

d.
Hereditary spherocytosis

Answer 1

Normal Hb

can be 90 at 2-3 months of age, a plateau

Question 2

A 2 month old fully breast fed girl who was born at 37 weeks gestation has a blood count because her parents have been concerned that she is pale. The blood count is as follows:

Haemoglobin: 97 g/l
White cell count: 11.0 x 109/l (40% neutrophils, 50% lymphocytes)
Platelet count: 160 x 109/l
Film shows normochromic red cells with occasional microcytes.
What is the MOST LIKELY reason for the low haemoglobin?

Question 2Select one:

a.
‘Physiological’ anaemia

b.
Anaemia of prematurity

c.
Inadequate nutrition

d.
Thalassaemia minor

Answer 2

.
‘Physiological’ anaemia

Normal for this age

Question 3

A 2 year-old child presents with a high fever of 39.5°C, and a rash on the face, body and limbs.

Full blood count shows a total white count of 35 x10^9/L including a neutrophil count of 25 x10^9/L. What condition would this presentation with a very high neutrophil count suggest?

Question 3Select one:

a.
Roseola infantum infection

b.
Infectious mononucleosis

c.
Streptococcal scarlet fever

d.
Herpes simplex infection

Answer 3

Streptococcal scarlet fever

Bacterial infection