Dr. Krafts I am in need of some assistance with this question. From what I know, both A and D are types of IDA and therefore the lab findings should show a low reticulocyte count. C is a type of hemolytic anemia which can result in reticulocytosis, and I can’t comment on B. What is the answer, and why?
In a person with both anemia and reticulocytosis, which is the least likely cause?
A. acute blood loss
B. vitamin b12 deficiency with folate therapy
C. hereditary spherocytosis (more…)
Q. Can you please explain the difference between “hot” and “cold” thyroid nodules?
A. “Hot” and “cold” nodules are terms used to describe findings on a a radioactive iodine uptake scan. (more…)
Q. I have multiple myeloma, and I read your post What is an M-spike, and it was an excellent contribution which I have been looking for in months. (more…)
There are some Pathology Student posts that readers seem to turn to over and over.
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Q. What’s the whole deal with Gla residues, vitamin K and the Coumadin drugs?
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Q. Why is there a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and disseminated intravascular coagulation?
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Q. I had some confusion on why the PT, PTT, and TT are prolonged in disseminated intravascular coagulation. Intuitively I thought they might be shorter because everything is already present and turned on due to the constant state of coagulation, but the only way I can think it might be prolonged would be that are the factors being used up which then shows up as a long PT, PTT and TT? If you could just clarify that for me that would be great.
A. Yes! That’s exactly why they are prolonged! In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) there’s a ton of clotting going on – so the platelets and coag factors are getting used up. As the coag factors get used up, the PT (prothrombin time), PTT (partial thromboplastin time) and TT (thrombin time) go up. You also see increased FDPs (fibrin degradation products) – but that’s an incredibly sensitive test, best used for other purposes.
By the way, Ed’s Pathology Notes has a way to remember the seriousness of DIC – he calls it “Death is Coming.”
Q. Are anemia of chronic disease and iron deficiency anemia technically both iron-deficient conditions? (more…)
Q. I have a question about blood typing. I understand that in forward typing, we use anti-A and anti-B antibodies. (more…)
Q. How come the PT and PTT are not increased in TTP and HUS? You have clots all over, so why don’t the coag tests go up like they do in DIC? (more…)
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