Master the board step 3

Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3
Basic Science Correlate
Heinz bodies are collections of oxidized, precipitated hemoglobin
embedded in the red cell membrane. Bite cells appear when pieces of the
red cell membrane have been removed by the spleen.
Heinz bodies
Bite cells
Test for G6PD before using
dapsone.
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Most accurate test: The level of G6PD—but only after 2 months have passed.
A normal level of G6PD immediately after an episode of hemolysis does not
exclude G6PD deficiency. On the day of the hemolysis, the most deficient
cells have been destroyed, and the level of G6PD is normal.
Treatment
There is no specific therapy for G6PD deficiency. Avoid oxidant stress.
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