RBC basics Flashcards
Which protein is responsible for the flexibility and biconcave shape of the RBC? Which conditions is it compromised in?
spectrin
sickle cell anemia
hereditary spherocytosis
What is the average lifespan of RBCs?
120 days
What is anisocytosis?
variation in the size of RBCs
What is poikilocytosis?
variation in the shapes of RBCs
A, B, Rh…which of these antigens have IgM antibodies against them and which have IgG antibodies?
A, B–>IgM antibodies
Rh–>IgG antibodies. The only one that causes problems for baby, b/c only IgG crosses the placenta
What type of reaction is it when there is transfusion that is incompatible?
Type II hypersensitivity (antibody-mediated)
When do you see erythroblastosis fetalis?
mom is exposed to Rh+ when she is Rh- during first pregnancy during delivery
second pregnancy, she has anti-Rh-IgG antibodies. these cross the placenta and attack the blood of the fetus
What are the features of erythroblastosis fetalis?
anemia b/c of hemolysis of RBCs from mom’s Ab
jaundice–sometimes kernicterus
hydrops fetalis (generalized fetal edema)
intrauterine death
When should anti-RhD-immunoglobulin or RhoGAM be given to mom?
28 weeks (3rd tri) of 1st pregnancy traumatic event w/i 3 days of delivery
Which conditions can cause target cells?
HALT said the hunter to the target HbC disease Asplenia Liver dx Thalassemia
