What structural defect in red blood cells can lead to increased bilirubin production?

• A. Spherocytosis
• B. Thalassemia
• C. Hemophilia
• D. Polycythemia

Answer: (A)

Spherocytosis is a condition characterized by the presence of spherically shaped red blood cells, which are less flexible and more prone to rupture compared to normal, biconcave red blood cells. This structural defect leads to hemolysis, where the red blood cells break down prematurely.

When red blood cells are destroyed, hemoglobin is released and subsequently metabolized into bilirubin. The increased rate of hemolysis in spherocytosis results in higher bilirubin production, which can lead to jaundice and other related symptoms due to excess bilirubin in the bloodstream. Management of spherocytosis may include monitoring bilirubin levels and, in severe cases, splenectomy to reduce hemolysis.

Other conditions listed, such as thalassemia and polycythemia, though related to red blood cells, do not predominantly result in the same increased breakdown and bilirubin production seen in spherocytosis. Thalassemia involves ineffective erythropoiesis and can lead to anemia but is not primarily characterized by increased hemolysis. Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder due to a deficiency of clotting factors and does not directly relate to red blood cell structure or the consequent bilirubin production. Polycythemia,