Which of the following sets of disorders is characterized by increased osmotic fragility?
A) HE and PNH
B) HS and hereditary overhydrated stomatocytosis
C) HS and hereditary dehydrated stomatocytosis
D) HS and thalassemia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased osmotic fragility is a characteristic of hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and hereditary overhydrated stomatocytosis. HS is characterized by fragile, spheroid-shaped erythrocytes, whereas hereditary overhydrated stomatocytosis is characterized by erythrocytes that are more resistant to lysis than normal cells when exposed to hypotonic solutions. PNH (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria) is a hemolytic disorder caused by a deficiency in GPI-anchored proteins, which leads to increased sensitivity to complement-mediated lysis. Hereditary dehydrated stomatocytosis is characterized by erythrocytes that take on a stomatocyte (mouth-shaped) appearance and have decreased osmotic fragility. Thalassemia is a group of inherited disorders characterized by defective or deficient globin chain synthesis, which can lead to hemolysis and anemia. Thalassemia does not typically result in increased osmotic fragility.

Which of the Following Sets of Disorders Is Characterized by Increased