FCEM2-0816

FCEM2-0816

You are evaluating a 7-year-old girl who recently immigrated from South East Asia. Her parents have expressed concerns about her lack of energy and pale appearance. A complete blood count was conducted, and the results are as follows:

– Hemoglobin (Hb): 4.4 g/dl (normal range: 11.5-14 g/dl)
– Red blood cells (RBC): 2.6 x 1012/l (normal range: 4-5 x 1012/l)
– Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 59 fl (normal range: 80-100 fl)
– Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): 21 pg (normal range: 25-35 pg)
– Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): 27 g/dl (normal range: 30-37 g/dl)
– Platelets: 466 x 109/l (normal range: 150-400 x 109/l)
– White blood cell count (WCC): 7.4 x 109/l (normal range: 4-11 x 109/l)

The peripheral blood smear reveals evidence of anisocytosis and pencil cells. Based on these findings, what is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?