Bite cells and supravital staining revealing dark inclusions are most characteristic of which enzyme deficiency?

Get ready for the CAMLPR Hematology Test. Use our quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Bite cells and supravital staining revealing dark inclusions are most characteristic of which enzyme deficiency?

Oxidative damage to red cells in G6PD deficiency leads to the formation of Heinz bodies, which are dark precipitates of denatured hemoglobin seen with supravital stains. The spleen then removes these Heinz bodies, creating bite cells. This combination—bite cells plus dark Heinz bodies on supravital staining—is a classic clue for G6PD deficiency. Other conditions listed do not typically produce Heinz bodies or bite cells: pyruvate kinase deficiency causes a hemolytic anemia from low ATP but not Heinz body formation; paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia involve different mechanisms and lack the characteristic Heinz bodies/bite cell pattern.

Oxidative damage to red cells in G6PD deficiency leads to the formation of Heinz bodies, which are dark precipitates of denatured hemoglobin seen with supravital stains. The spleen then removes these Heinz bodies, creating bite cells. This combination—bite cells plus dark Heinz bodies on supravital staining—is a classic clue for G6PD deficiency. Other conditions listed do not typically produce Heinz bodies or bite cells: pyruvate kinase deficiency causes a hemolytic anemia from low ATP but not Heinz body formation; paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia involve different mechanisms and lack the characteristic Heinz bodies/bite cell pattern.

More practice questions