QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemias are normocytic anaemias caused by an autoimmune process whereby red blood cells are targeted and destroyed. There are two classes - hot and cold, and this is classified at which temperature haemolysis occurs. This would not be exacerbated following fava bean consumption.
10004857
b
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
QuestionChoice
Hereditary spherocytosis is an autosomal dominant condition, seen in northern European populations, caused by mutations in structural red cell membrane proteins. This is not associated with fava bean consumption.
10004858
c
Hereditary spherocytosis
QuestionChoice
Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune macrocytic anaemia which impairs the absorption of vitamin B12. As it causes a macrocytic anaemia and not a normocytic anaemia, this option can be ruled out immediately.
10004860
e
Pernicious anaemia
QuestionChoice
G6PD is an X-linked recessive red-cell enzyme disorder which may present in the neonatal period with jaundice, or later in life with episodic intravascular haemolysis following exposure to oxidative stressors. Eating fava beans can trigger a haemolytic anaemia described in the question stem above.
10004856
a
G6PD Deficiency
QuestionChoice
Sickle cell anaemia is a congenital disorder of red blood cells, which causes a normocytic anaemia. You would expect to see other clues in the history associated with sickle cell disease. It is not linked to fava bean consumption.
10004859
d
Sickle cell anaemia
Concept
Chapter
2693
4220
Haemolytic anaemia
Topic
157
Haematology
13518
A patient presents to their GP with acute symptoms of paleness, jaundice and fatigue. The GP finds out that the patient has eaten fava beans last night.

A blood test reveals a normocytic anaemia with increased reticulocyte counts and elevated serum uric acid.

Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's presentation?
a