Alpha Thalassemia Course

Alpha Thalassemia Course is organized by MediaLab, Inc.

Objectives:
• Define Alpha Thalassemia.
• List the clinical manifestations of the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
• Compare and contrast laboratory findings for Alpha Thalassemia.
• Differentiate among the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
• Identify synonyms for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia.
• Correlate each type of Alpha Thalassemia with its genetic nomenclature/designation.
• Explain the molecular basis for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia (Chromosome associated with Alpha Thalassemia; and the degree of defect for the various forms of Alpha Thalassemia).
• Interpret routine laboratory results for the case given and arrive at a differential diagnosis.
• Interpret special hematology tests (Hemoglobin electrophoresis; Special stains).
• Suggest laboratory tests to confirm this presumptive diagnosis; and suggest explanations for discrepancies among laboratory tests.

Course Outline:
• Defining Thalassemia
    • Defining Thalassemia
    • Defining Alpha Thalassemia
    • Alpha Thalassemia States
    • Anemia in Alpha Thalassemia
    • Which two of the following conditions can lead to thalassemia?
• Genetics of Alpha Thalassemia
    • Normal Chromosome 16
    • Chromosome 16 Alpha Thalassemia Silent Carrier
    • Chromosome 16 Alpha Thalassemia Minor
    • Alpha Thalassemia Minor - Homozygous
    • Alpha Thalassemia Minor - Heterozygous
    • Chromosome 16 Alpha Thalassemia Intermedia
    • Chromosome 16 Alpha Thalassemia Major
    • Match the alpha thalassemia variants below with their genotypic notation.
• Clinical Manifestations of Alpha Thalassemia
    • Alpha Thalassemia Major
    • Alpha Thalassemia Intermedia
    • Alpha Thalassemia Minor
    • Silent Carrier
    • Hemoglobin H disease is found in which ethnic group?
• Laboratory Findings in Alpha Thalassemia
  • Hematology
    • Silent Carrier
    • Alpha Thalassemia Minor
    • Alpha Thalassemia Intermedia
    • Alpha Thalassemia Major
    • Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) are most often seen in which variant of alpha thalassemia?
  • Chemistry
    • Serum Iron
    • Serum Bilirubin
    • Lactate Dehydrogenase
    • Serum Haptoglobin
• Special Procedures
  • Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
    • Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Theory
    • Migration of Hemoglobin in Alkaline Electrophoresis
    • Normal Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
    • Sample Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
    • Densitometer Tracings
    • In what order do normal and abnormal hemoglobins migrate in alkaline electrophoresis (from cathode to anode)?
  • Brilliant Cresyl Blue Stain
    • Hemoglobin H bodies
    • Reticulocytes
    • Normal Cells
    • Match the images of these cells stained with the supravital stain, brilliant cresyl blue, with the appropriate description.
• Case Study
  • Case History
    • Case History
  • Complete blood cell count results
    • Complete Blood Count Results
    • A peripheral blood smear made from an EDTA-anticoagulated blood specimen revealed the following results when stained with Wright-Giemsa stain and view...
    • A 29-year-old female of Philippine descent is seen by her physician for fatigue. The patient states that a relative told her that their family has a l...
  • Serum Chemistry Tests
    • Serum Chemistry Results
  • Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
    • Hemoglobin alkaline electrophoresis on this patient's sample is pictured on the right.Which hemoglobin bands are present?
  • Brilliant Cresyl Blue Stain
    • A brilliant cresyl blue stain was performed on this patient's sample. How should this stain be interpreted?
  • Repeat Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
    • Repeat Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
  • Summary of Case Study
    • Summary
• Treatment Options for Alpha Thalassemia
    • Treating Alpha Thalassemia
• References
    • References