13. Leukaemia Flashcards
Which forms of leukaemia are mostly likely to produce an anaemia and why?
Myeloid leukaemias
Erythrocytes originate from myeloblasts
In what sort of leukaemia is disseminated intravascular coagulopathy most likely to be seen and what is this?
Acute myeloid leukaemia - increased consumption of clotting factors
Recall 3 features of AML that result from failure to produce normal cells
Anaemia
Low platelet count
DIC
Describe and compare the blood films in AML and CML
AML = few red cells, almost all white cells are blast cells CML = many neutrophils, 40% blast cells, increased production of all myeloid cells
Compare the gene mutations that usually cause AML to those that lead to CML
AML = usually caused by a TF gene mutation CML = usually due to mutation of signalling protein
Differentiate the cells found in ALL vs CLL
In ALL = immature T/K/NK cells
In CLL = mature but abnormal and dysfunctional (as monoclonal)
In which sort of leukaemia is there commonly a failure of apoptosis?
CML
With what sorts of leukaemia is Down’s syndrome associated?
Acute
In what sort of leukaemia is bone pain common?
Acute
In what sort of leukaemia is thymic enlargement seen?
T lymphoblastic
Describe the appearance of leukaemia following skin infiltration
Thickening
Little bumps
Recall 3 metabolic effects of leukaemia
Hyperuricaemia
Renal failure
Weight loss
What is the cause of hyperuricaemia in leukaemia?
Increased DNA breakdown from dead cells
Recall the 3 blood disease states that arise because of the crowding out of normal cells
Anaemia
Thrombocytopenia
Neutropenia
In what sort of leukaemia is immune function deficit usually seen and why?
CLL
Monoclonal population crowds out normal T/B/NK cells
