Folate deficiency is classically seen in chronic alcohol intake, malnutrition, and people who do not eat vegetables. Folate plays a role in DNA synthesis and single-carbon-unit transfers (e.g., conversion of homocysteine to methionine). Its deficiency leads to ineffective haematopoiesis. Folate…
Macrocytic anaemia is characterised by a low haemoglobin concentration and a high mean corpuscular volume (MCV > 100). It can be classified into megaloblastic and non-megaloblastic types. Classification of macrocytic anaemia Category Causes Megaloblastic anaemia Vitamin B12 deficiency; folate deficiency;…
Overview Sickle cell crises are acute episodes of severe illness that occur in patients with sickle cell disease. These episodes are typically caused by vaso-occlusion, hemolysis or bone marrow suppression. Vaso-occlusive crisis A vaso-occlusive crisis is caused by acute occlusion…
Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is caused by clonal defects in the RBC membrane protein (GPI), which is responsible for inactivating complement. This defect increases activation of complement and intravascular haemolysis.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked recessive condition that is characterized by reduced levels of the antioxidant NADH. This deficiency makes red blood cells susceptible to oxidative stress, causing hemolysis, which can be triggered by certain infections, drugs, and foods.…
Hereditary spherocytosis is an autosomal dominant red blood cell membranopathy that is caused by a lack of proteins that have vertical interactions (ankyrin, spectrin, and band 3) in the red cell membranes. Red blood cells that lack these proteins lose…
Cold-agglutinin haemolytic anaemia occurs when IgM molecules are produced against red blood cells. The IgM molecules activate complement, leading to intravascular haemolysis.