CM – High Yield Hematology Flashcards 🩸

The first-line treatment for sickle cell disease is:

✅ Hydroxyurea

Mechanism: Increases fetal hemoglobin (Hgb F) → reduces sickling and vaso-occlusive crises.

Supportive Care: Pain control, hydration, oxygen.

Other Management:

• Folic acid daily

• Blood transfusions for severe crises

• Exchange transfusion to prevent stroke

• Stem cell transplant (curative, especially in children)

• Iron chelation (if on chronic transfusions)

What is the first-line treatment for Lead Poisoning?

🧲 Chelation therapy

• Oral: Succimer (DMSA)
• If severe: IV EDTA

(Important: Always remove exposure source!)

What is the first-line treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia?

💊 Oral iron supplementation (e.g., ferrous sulfate).

If not tolerated: Parenteral iron.

What is the first-line treatment for Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

💉 IM Vitamin B12 injections (1000 ext{ mcg}):

• Daily \times 1 week
• Weekly \times 1 month
• Monthly for life (if irreversible cause).

If due to diet: Oral B12 supplements.

What is the first-line treatment for Folic Acid Deficiency?

💊 Oral folic acid 1 ext{ mg daily}.

For pregnant women: 400 ext{ mcg daily} for neural tube defect prevention.

What is the first-line treatment for Alpha Thalassemia (Hemoglobin H Disease)?

💊 Folic acid replacement.

Avoid: Iron supplementation & oxidative drugs (e.g., sulfas).

If severe disease: Blood transfusions.

What is the first-line treatment for Beta Thalassemia Major?

🏥 Stem cell transplant (curative).

Other Management:

• Regular blood transfusions

• Iron chelation therapy

• Folic acid supplementation

• Avoid oxidative stress.

What is the first-line treatment for G6PD Deficiency?

⚠️ Avoid oxidative stressors (e.g., fava beans, sulfa drugs, nitrofurantoin, fluoroquinolones).

Supportive: Folic acid + Vitamin B12.

If severe: Blood transfusion.

What is the first-line treatment for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)?

💊 Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone).

If refractory: Splenectomy or Rituximab.