ATI Hematologic System Related

Review ATI Hematologic System related questions and content

A 14-year-old Syrian male with beta thalassemia major has relocated to your community as a refugee. He has been receiving chronic transfusion therapy in Turkey for the past 3 years. On his first visit, you notice that his height is below the fifth percentile. He has skin discoloration and hepatosplenomegaly. His mother reports they have not had regular access to chelation therapy. Laboratory testing shows a serum ferritin of 6,200 ng/mL. A cardiac MRI shows grossly normal cardiac function but a T2* value of 9 ms. What is the most likely cause of his short stature?

  • A. Lack of regular blood transfusion causing growth failure
  • B. Cirrhosis and liver failure
  • C. Ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic anemia
  • D. Growth hormone deficiency due to iron deposition in the pituitary
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Growth hormone deficiency due to iron deposition in the pituitary. Iron overload in patients with beta thalassemia major can lead to iron deposition in various organs, including the pituitary gland, impairing its function. This can result in growth hormone deficiency, leading to short stature. In this case, the patient's history of chronic transfusions and high serum ferritin level indicate iron overload, which can affect the pituitary gland. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because growth failure in beta thalassemia major is primarily attributed to endocrine complications such as growth hormone deficiency, rather than lack of transfusions, cirrhosis, or ineffective erythropoiesis.