Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (HbS) is a severe hereditary form of anemia in which a mutated form of hemoglobin distorts the red blood cells (RBC’s) into a crescent shape at low oxygen levels. Sickle cell disease (HbS) is commonest among those of African descent. In this disease, a single base mutation in the β-globin gene leads to the substitution of valine for […]

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Thalassemias

Thalassemia Facies

What are Thalassemias? Thalassemias are inherited blood disorders in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. These disorders result in excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anemia. In thalassemias, there is an abnormality of one or more of the globin genes leading to […]

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Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

PKD

Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is one of the most common enzymatic defects of the RBCs, it manifests clinically as hemolytic anemia that can range from mild to severe. There are many different types of enzyme-related defects of the red blood cell that can cause hemolytic anemia. PKD is the second most common cause, after glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. PKD is inherited […]

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G6PD Deficiency

G6PD Deficiency

Introduction: Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency affects approximately 400 million individuals worldwide. It is the most common human enzyme defect. The global distribution of this disorder is remarkably similar to that of malaria, lending support to the so-called malaria protection hypothesis. It is common in Africa, around the Mediterranean, and in the Orient. G6PD deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder. The hereditary genetic […]

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Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

PNH

Introduction: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired, life-threatening disease of the blood. The disease is characterized by destruction of red blood cells by the complement system, a part of the body’s innate immune system (hemolytic anemia), blood clots (thrombosis), and impaired bone marrow function (not making enough of the three blood components). PNH is the only hemolytic anemia caused by an acquired (rather than […]

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Acanthocytosis

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Acanthocytes (spur cells) are spiculated red cells with a few projections of varying size and surface distribution. The formation of acanthocytes depends on the alteration of the lipid composition and fluidity of the red cell membrane. Acanthocytosis may be inherited (autosomal recessive) in association with retinitis pigmentosa, diffuse neurological deficits, and abetalipoproteinemia. In abetalipoproteinaemia, an autosomal recessive condition, vitamin E […]

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Stomatocytosis

Stomatocytosis

Stomatocytes (RBCs with slit-like central pallor) Stomatocytosis is a rare condition of RBCs in which a mouthlike or slitlike pattern replaces the normal central zone of pallor. These cells are associated with congenital and acquired hemolytic anemia. The symptoms result from anemia and hemolysis. The symptoms of stomatocytosis can vary depending on the severity of the disorder. In some cases, people […]

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Elliptocytosis

Hereditary Elliptocytosis

Hereditary Elliptocytosis (HE), also known as ovalocytosis, is a disorder of the red cell membrane inherited usually in an autosomal dominant pattern. In this condition, the majority of cells have an elliptical shape. The osmotic fragility is normal. HE is due to defects in either the structure or quantity of the cytoskeletal proteins responsible for maintaining the biconcave morphology of RBCs. Mutations […]

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Spherocytosis

autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Hereditary Spherocytosis (HS) is a disorder of the red cell membrane inherited usually in an autosomal dominant pattern. In this condition, the red cells are more rigid and fragile than normal. They are spherocytic, appearing small, deeply stained on blood smears, and have osmotic fragility. Spherocytes are found in all hemolytic anemias to some degree. Hereditary spherocytosis and autoimmune hemolytic […]

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Hemolytic Anemias

autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Introduction: Red blood cells (RBCs) are made in the bone marrow—a sponge-like tissue inside the bones. They live for about 120 days in the bloodstream and then die. Hemolysis involves premature destruction and hence a shortened RBCs life span (< 120 days). When RBCs die, the body’s bone marrow makes more blood cells to replace them. However, in hemolytic anemias, the bone […]

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