ATI Hematologic System Related

Review ATI Hematologic System related questions and content

After seven days of treatment with sulfonamides, a patient's hemoglobin had decreased from 14.7 gm/100ml to 10gm/100ml. The most likely cause of hemolysis in this patient is

  • A. Sickle cell disease
  • B. Thalassemia minor
  • C. Hereditary spherocytosis
  • D. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD). G6PD deficiency can cause hemolysis in response to oxidative stress, such as medications like sulfonamides. The decrease in hemoglobin levels after sulfonamide treatment indicates hemolysis, which is a common manifestation of G6PD deficiency. Sickle cell disease (A), thalassemia minor (B), and hereditary spherocytosis (C) do not typically present with hemolysis triggered by sulfonamides. G6PD deficiency is the most likely cause in this scenario due to the timing of hemolysis after the drug exposure and the characteristic response of G6PD-deficient red blood cells to oxidative stress.