Organ Pathology - Handout 4 - Red Blood Cell Disorders

Explanation
A normal male hematocrit number refers to the proportion of red blood cells in the total volume of blood. A hematocrit of 0.45 means that 45% of the blood volume is made up of red blood cells. This value falls within the normal range for males, indicating a healthy level of red blood cells in the bloodstream.

Explanation
Chronic disease is a normocytic anemia where MCV would be between 80-100 fl

Explanation
Low iron for obvious reasons. High transferrin to make as much iron available as possible.

Explanation
The patient's diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia suggests a deficiency in two nutrients: folate and vitamin B12. Megaloblastic anemia is characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells, which are unable to function properly. Both folate and vitamin B12 are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. Folate is necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division, while vitamin B12 is required for the maturation of red blood cells. Deficiencies in either of these nutrients can lead to the development of megaloblastic anemia.

Explanation
Excessive cytokine release is characteristic of anemia of chronic disease. Anemia of chronic disease is a type of anemia that occurs as a result of chronic inflammation or underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, or malignancies. In these conditions, there is an overproduction of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that regulate the immune response. The excessive cytokine release leads to a disruption in the normal production of red blood cells, resulting in anemia.

Explanation
Its pathogenesis is rooted in bone marrow failure

Explanation
Hypertension is second most.

Explanation
Aplastic anemia can be caused by autoimmune diseases, toxins, cancer, chemotherapy, drugs and antibiotics.

Explanation
G6PDH deficiency is a sex-linked disorder that primarily affects males. It is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). This enzyme plays a crucial role in protecting red blood cells from oxidative damage. Fava beans contain a substance called vicine, which can trigger a reaction in individuals with G6PDH deficiency, leading to the destruction of red blood cells and the development of anemia. Since the Mediterranean girl has been advised to stay away from fava beans, it suggests that one of her parents must have G6PDH deficiency.