Lab Findings in b-Thal - 2
b-Thalassemia major:
Hb:
RBC
count:
3-4
g/dL
Blood
smear:
Hb A2 =
slight increase
Hb F =
predominant
decreased
Poikilocytosis
4+
RBC
fragmentation
Severe
Microcytic hypochromic
Retic
count:
Only
1-8% not reflective of severe anemia
Iron:
Basophilic
stippling
nRBCs
Increased
due to transfusions
Anatomic
abnormalities:
Large
cheekbones, forehead, upper jaw