Hematology
Brainlab - 11-28-06 09:06

Hello everybody!

Yesterday I began to read USMLE Secret step 2. I found following statement in hemotology topic:

37. How do you recognize glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency on the USMLE?
This genetic disorder is X-linked recessive, affecting males. It is most common in blacks and
Mediterraneans. Look for sudden hemolysis or anemia after exposure to fava beans or certain
drugs (antimalarials, salicylates, sulfa drugs) or after infection. You may see Heinz bodies and
"bite cells" on peripheral smear. The diagnosis is made with a red blood cell enzyme assay, which
should not be done immediately after hemolysis because of the potential for a false-negative
result. All of the older red blood cells already have been destroyed, and the younger red blood
cells are not affected in most patients. Treat with avoidance of precipitating foods and medica-
tions; discontinue the triggering medication first.

If I am not mistaken, they describe glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Am I right or not?