Anemias USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 58 year old woman with long standing rheumatoid arthritis presents with worsening fatigue. She has morning stiffness involving both hands and elevated inflammatory markers. Laboratory studies show hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL, MCV 83 fL, ferritin 310 ng/mL, serum iron decreased, and total iron binding capacity decreased. Which of the following mechanisms most likely explains this patient's anemia?
Answer choices
- AMutation in beta globin synthesis causing ineffective erythropoiesis
- BIncreased hepcidin production causing iron sequestrationCorrect answer
- CLoss of intrinsic factor causing impaired DNA synthesis
- DDeficiency of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase
- EAntibody mediated destruction of erythroid precursors
- FSideroblastic anemia
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