Thalassemia physical examination
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Shyam Patel [2]
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Overview
Physical Examination
- Tachypnea: Tachypnea, or elevated respiratory rate, is due to impaired oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues. A high respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism that attempts to ensure adequate delivery of oxygen to other tissues.
- Jaundice: Jaundice, or yellowing of skin, is due to hemolysis from defective globin chain production. Hemolysis results in the release of indirect, or unconjugated bilirubin, into the circulation, and bilirubin deposits in the skin.
- Scleral icterus: Scleral icterus is due to hemolysis from defective globin chain production. Hemolysis results in the release of indirect, or unconjugated bilirubin, into the circulation, and bilirubin deposits in the eyes. The sclera is normally a thick white layer of connective tissue, and this can become yellow if there is significant hemolysis.
- Splenomegaly: Splenomegaly, or enlarged spleen, is due to extravascular hemolysis. In some cases, the spleen can become painful to palpation.
- Bony enlargement: The jaw bone is a common site of bony enlargement. This occurs when hematopoiesis, or blood cell production, takes place in bones other than the iliac crest, long bones, and sternum.