Which hematologic profile is typical of beta-thalassemia major?

Which hematologic profile is typical of beta-thalassemia major?

• A. Normal Hemoglobin
• B. Hypochromia with Microcytosis
• C. Macrocytosis
• D. Elevated Hemoglobin A

Answer: (B)

Beta-thalassemia major produces a microcytic, hypochromic anemia due to deficient beta-globin synthesis. Because the beta chains are lacking, red blood cells are smaller and contain less hemoglobin, so the typical hematologic picture shows hypochromia with microcytosis (low mean corpuscular volume and low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration). In this condition, hemoglobin A is markedly reduced or absent, with a compensatory rise in other hemoglobins such as HbF and HbA2, but the defining cell morphology remains small, pale erythrocytes. This combination contrasts with normal Hb, which would imply no anemia; macrocytosis, which points to other etiologies (like B12/folate deficiency); or elevated HbA, which is inconsistent with beta-globin deficiency in beta-thalassemia major.

Beta-thalassemia major produces a microcytic, hypochromic anemia due to deficient beta-globin synthesis. Because the beta chains are lacking, red blood cells are smaller and contain less hemoglobin, so the typical hematologic picture shows hypochromia with microcytosis (low mean corpuscular volume and low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration). In this condition, hemoglobin A is markedly reduced or absent, with a compensatory rise in other hemoglobins such as HbF and HbA2, but the defining cell morphology remains small, pale erythrocytes. This combination contrasts with normal Hb, which would imply no anemia; macrocytosis, which points to other etiologies (like B12/folate deficiency); or elevated HbA, which is inconsistent with beta-globin deficiency in beta-thalassemia major.