A 5-year-old boy is admitted to the pediatric unit with a fractured tibia. Routine blood work is ordered. His PB smear shows moderate spherocytosis. An osmotic fragility is also ordered, and the test result indicates an increased osmotic fragility. Based on these findings, what is the most likely defect?
A) Hereditary elliptocytosis
B) Hereditary spherocytosis
C) Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia from trauma
D) Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The moderate spherocytosis and increased osmotic fragility are classic findings in hereditary spherocytosis, a genetic disorder that causes instability and loss of membrane in red blood cells, leading to their destruction and anemia. Hereditary elliptocytosis is characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells, not spherocytosis. Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia from trauma would have different laboratory findings.

A 5-Year-Old Boy Is Admitted to the Pediatric Unit with a Fractured