Question

Which anemia is caused due to Microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells?

• A. Pernicious anemia
• B. Aplastic anemia
• C. Iron deficiency anemia
• D. Hemolytic anemia

Hint:

Always associate microcytic, hypochromic RBCs with iron deficiency. It’s a classic feature asked frequently in GPAT’s Pharmacology and Pathophysiology sections.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

- Microcytic, hypochromic anemia refers to red blood cells (RBCs) that are smaller than normal (microcytic) and have reduced hemoglobin content (hypochromic), which appears pale under a microscope. 
- The most common cause of this type of anemia is Iron deficiency anemia, which results from insufficient iron for hemoglobin synthesis.
- Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, and its deficiency leads to impaired hemoglobin production, producing smaller, less pigmented RBCs. 

Analysis of other options: 

- (a) Pernicious anemia: A type of macrocytic anemia caused by vitamin B\textsubscript{12} deficiency due to intrinsic factor absence.
- (b) Aplastic anemia: A normocytic normochromic anemia caused by bone marrow failure, not related to cell size or color. 
- (d) Hemolytic anemia: Characterized by increased RBC destruction, often with normocytic cells; not microcytic-hypochromic.