L7 Genetic disorders of hemoglobin Flashcards
In the synthesis of hemoglobin, what happens at 3-6 months?
Gamma-beta switch from HbF > HbA
What genes make up HbA? (Adult)
HbA2 is also a type of hemoglobin that exists in small amount (with 2 alpha genes and 2 delta genes)
2 alpha-globin genes
2 beta-globin genes
What is the main pathology of Thalassaemia syndromes that can be summarized in a sentence?
Reduced rate of synthesis of alpha/beta chains > imbalanced globin chain
What can be seen in CBC of patients with thalassemia?
- Increased RBC (due to to BM compensatory response to ineffective hematopoiesis)
- Microcytic hypochromic anemia
Alpha thalassemia is more common in Far East, and is mostly caused by gene deletions/ point mutations?
gene deletion
1-4 alpha genes are deleted
How many alpha gene(s) deleted can cause a cinically asymptomatic alpha thalassemia trait?
1-2
1 alpha-globin gene affected: alpha+ (a-/aa) > asymptomatic
2 alpha-globin gene affected: alpha heterozygote (–/aa or -a/-a)
Which type of deletion is MC in HK which is an implication antenatal screening?
SEA deletion (alpha heterozygote)
In alpha thalassemia parents with 2 genes deleted, although it may be completely asymptomatic in parents, but 1/4 offspring can develop ___________.
Hydrops fetalis
In patients with 3 alpha genes deleted, HbH Hemoglobin H disease) disease arise.
Breifly explain.
beta 4 (–/-a)
- Excess beta globin chain form tetramer beta-4 (HbH)
> Instability causes chronic hemolytic anemia
- 2 Hb are affected in this case
Number and types of genes in a normal hemoglobin?
2 alpha and 2 beta genes in HbA
Is transfusion needed when 3 alpha genes are deleted in alpha-thalassemia patients?
Not required unless in acute illness, remaining functional alpha globin gene can provide enough alpha globin chains for production of HbA.
Yet, during acute illness when life span of red cells is decreased, patient might require transfusion.
Some golf ball like material can be seen in peripheral blood in a patient with alpha thalassemia. What are they?
HbH inclusion body
If mother is diagnosed with alpha-thalassemia with 3 alpha globin genes delted, what to do?
Folate replacement to compensate for hemolytic anemia
1/4 offspring develop hydrops fetalis
What happen when 4 alpha genes are deleted?
- Hydrops fetalis: gamma4 (Hb Barts) (–/–)
- Excess gamma globin chain form tetramer gamma4 (all 4 are gamma chains)
- incompatible with life
What is hydrops?
Edema in 2 or more fetal compartments:
- severe anemia > compensation by raising CO > HF > edema
- Doppler USG: increased in blood flow MCA
- Proceed to genetic testing by invasive molecular testing