Anemias USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 29 year old woman with sickle cell disease presents with sudden severe fatigue after her child had a viral illness with a slapped cheek rash. Laboratory studies show hemoglobin 5.8 g/dL and an undetectable reticulocyte count, but leukocyte and platelet counts are normal. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's acute worsening?
Answer choices
- AIron deficiency due to chronic transfusions
- BInfection of erythroid precursor cells by parvovirus B19Correct answer
- COxidant injury from sulfa medication use
- DSplenic sequestration crisis due to enlarging spleen
- EAutoimmune destruction of all hematopoietic precursors
- FAcute hemolysis triggered by infection-related hypoxia and sickling
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