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Recurrent infections + anaemia — investigation

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Teaching point — how the wording changes the answer

Recurrent infections + anaemia: think immunodeficiency (serum immunoglobulins), haemoglobinopathy (Hb electrophoresis) or iron deficiency (ferritin). Pick by the dominant clue — recurrent SINO-pulmonary infections favour Ig; microcytic + ethnicity/family favour electrophoresis; pure microcytic with dietary/GI loss favours ferritin.

Q27 Boy, recurrent lung infections + anaemia. Investigation?
Key clue Recurrent infections prominent
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Immunoglobulins (vs red cell folate / electrophoresis)
Q210 Young girl, URTI + LRTI, microcytic anaemia. Investigation?
Key clue Microcytic
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Ferritin (then TTG / Hb electrophoresis)
Q469 Recurrent chest infections + microcytic anaemia
Key clue Microcytic
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Ferritin / iron studies
NA 6-year-old, recurrent chest infection (Hb electrophoresis / CXR / serum Ig)
Key clue Recurrent infection
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Hb electrophoresis or serum Ig per dominant clue