Anaemia

Paper instructions:
information about the patient population(s) affected, the clinical presentation, the common laboratory findings, and the most common treatment options.

  1. Hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell anemia)
  2. Thalassemia (B-Thalassemia)
  3. membrane or enzyme defects that lead to hemolytic anemia (hemolytic Elliptocytosis)
  4. immune-mediated disorders that lead to hemolytic anemia (chose one
Full Answer Section

Treatment options: There is no cure for sickle cell anemia, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

Common treatment options for sickle cell anemia include:

  • Pain medication
  • Blood transfusions
  • Hydroxyurea
  • L-glutamine
  • Stem cell transplant

Thalassemia (B-Thalassemia)

Patient population: B-thalassemia is a genetic disorder that is most common in people of Mediterranean descent.

Clinical presentation: The clinical presentation of B-thalassemia can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some people with B-thalassemia may be asymptomatic, while others may experience severe symptoms.

Common symptoms of B-thalassemia include:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Delayed growth and development
  • Enlarged spleen and liver

Laboratory findings: Common laboratory findings in B-thalassemia include:

  • Low hemoglobin
  • Low red blood cell count
  • Microcytic red blood cells (small red blood cells)
  • High white blood cell count
  • High platelet count

Treatment options: There is no cure for B-thalassemia, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

Common treatment options for B-thalassemia include:

  • Blood transfusions
  • Iron chelation therapy
  • Stem cell transplant

Membrane or enzyme defects that lead to hemolytic anemia (hemolytic Elliptocytosis)

Patient population: Hemolytic elliptocytosis is a genetic disorder that can affect people of all races and ethnicities.

Clinical presentation: The clinical presentation of hemolytic elliptocytosis can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some people with hemolytic elliptocytosis may be asymptomatic, while others may experience mild or severe symptoms.

Common symptoms of hemolytic elliptocytosis include:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Jaundice
  • Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)

Laboratory findings: Common laboratory findings in hemolytic elliptocytosis include:

  • Low hemoglobin
  • Low red blood cell count
  • Elliptical-shaped red blood cells

Treatment options: There is no cure for hemolytic elliptocytosis, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

Common treatment options for hemolytic elliptocytosis include:

  • Folic acid supplementation
  • Splenectomy (removal of the spleen)

Immune-mediated disorders that lead to hemolytic anemia (Immune Hemolytic Anemia)

Patient population: Immune hemolytic anemia is a group of disorders in which the immune system attacks and destroys red blood cells.

Clinical presentation: The clinical presentation of immune hemolytic anemia can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some people with immune hemolytic anemia may experience only mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms that can be life-threatening.

Common symptoms of immune hemolytic anemia include:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Jaundice
  • Dark urine

Laboratory findings: Common laboratory findings in immune hemolytic anemia include:

  • Low hemoglobin
  • Low red blood cell count
  • Positive direct Coombs test

Treatment options: The treatment for immune hemolytic anemia depends on the underlying cause. Common treatment options include:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressive drugs
  • Rituximab
  • Eculizumab

Please note that this is a general overview of the patient population, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and treatment options for hemoglobinopathies, thalassemia, membrane or enzyme defects that lead to hemolytic anemia, and immune-mediated disorders that lead to hemolytic anemia. For more specific information, please consult with a healthcare professional.

Sample Answer

Hemoglobinopathies (Sickle Cell Anemia)

Patient population: Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects people of all races and ethnicities, but it is most common in people of African descent.

Clinical presentation: The clinical presentation of sickle cell anemia can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some people with sickle cell anemia may experience only mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms that can be life-threatening.

Common symptoms of sickle cell anemia include:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Painful crises
  • Jaundice
  • Delayed growth and development

Laboratory findings: Common laboratory findings in sickle cell anemia include:

  • Low hemoglobin
  • Low red blood cell count
  • Abnormal red blood cell shape
  • High white blood cell count
  • High platelet count