RBC I, Thalassemias and hemolytic anemias Putthoff Flashcards
where are alpha chain encoded
chromosome 16
where are the beta chains encoded
chromosome 11
where are thalassemias endemic to
mediterranean basin
tropical africa, indian continent and asia
how do thalassemias cause anemia (generally)
decreased production and lifespan
not destruction
What are the B0 mutations
no beta globin synthesis
what are the B+ mutation
reduced beta globin synthesis
most common cause of beta+ mutations
splicing mutations that affect the RNA
common mutations with B0 thalassemias
prevention mRNA
chain terminator mutations (new stop codon)
how does beta thalassemia cause anemia
deficit in HbA synthesis
hypochromic microcytic RBC with subnormal O2
diminished survival of RBC and precursors
unpaired alpha chains make insoluble inclusions
how does beta thalassemia lead to bony abnormalities
ineffective erythropoiesis leads to erythroid hyperplasia and extensive EMH
why do thalassemia patients suffer from hemochromatosis
the erythroid drive suppresses hepcidin so no neg feedback on Fe absorption. absorb more leads to iron accumulation
why is a defect in beta and alppha chain not as severe as say 2 defects in beta or 2 defects in alpha
chain production is more in balance
what is beta thalassemia major
homozygou so could be B0B0 or b+b+ or b+b0
what is beta thalassemia intermedia
B0B+ b+b+ B0B b+B
variable
severe but does not require blood transfusions
what is beta thalssemia minor
heterozygous b0 B b+B
what is clinical presentation of beta thalassemia minor
asymptomatic with mild or absent anemia, red cell abnormalities seen.
when does anemia manifest in beta thalassemia major in newborns
6-p mo when HbF switches over to HbA
What do RBC look like in beta thalassemia major
anisocytosis poikilocytosis, microcytosis, hypochromic
target cells
basophilic stippling and fragmented cells
inclusions are aggregates of alpha chains
clinical cours of beta thalassemia major
brief unless receiving blood transfusions
signs of beta thalssemia major
anemia
enlarged and distorted boney prominences
HSM
cardiac disease from hemochromatosis
how do you Tx patients with beta thalassemia major
transfusion but must also give iron chelators to prevent hemochromatosis
what will PS look like in beta thalssemia minor
RBC abnormalities like hypochromia, microcytosis, basophilic stippling and target cells
mild erythroid hyperplasia in BM
what will Hb electrophoresis show in beta thalassemia minor
increase HbA2 and normal or slightly increased HbF
Wgat dies beta thalssemia minor look like and how do you diferentiate
iron deficiency anemia
look at iron panel
also increase in HbA2 helpful
severity of alpha thalssemia depends on what
how many alpha globin genes are affected