2: AML Flashcards
What is acute leukaemia
Uncontrollable proliferation blast cells (pre-mature WBC) that accumulate in circulation
What are the two types of acute leukaemia
AML
ALL
What is acute myeloid leukaemia
Malignant proliferation myeloblasts (pre-cursor cells that would form thrombocytes, erythrocytes)
What is used to classify types of AML
French American British Association
What age group does AML affect
Affects adults peak incidence 65 years-old
What can increase risk of AML
Secondary to MDS, CML, Aplastic Anaemia
What genetic syndrome is AML associated with
Down’s syndrome
What is the pre-cursor syndrome to AML
Myelodysplastic syndrome
What are the ‘general’ signs of AML
Bone Marrow Failure
What are signs due to RBC deficiency
Dyspneoa
Pallour
Lethargy
What are signs due to WBC deficiency
Recurrent Infection
Fever
What are signs due to platelet deficiency
Epistaxis
Bleeding gums
Petechiae
Easy bruising
What are two symptoms due to infiltration of myeloblasts
Gingival hypertrophy
Hepatosplenomegaly
what is a dermatological sign of AML
Leukaemia cutis
what is leukaemia cutis
Grey-Purple discoloured nodules of the skin
explain FBC in AML
- Low RBC and Thrombocytopenia = due to invasion bone marrow by blast cells
- Increase WCC. There is an increase in total WCC due to over-production blast cells. However, there is a decrease in functional WCC that can lead to infection
what is a characteristic feature of AML on peripheral blood smear
AUER RODS
what are auer rods
pink rod-shaped cytoplasmic inclusion granules in immature blast cells
what is pathognomic of AML
AUER RODS
what is diagnostic in AML
bone marrow aspirate and biopsy
what is diagnostic of AML in trephine biopsy
More than 10% blast-cells
what is indicated for management of AML
Cytarabine and Daunorubicin
if relapsing disease what is indicated
allogenic transplant of stem cells: chemotherapy used irradiation recipients malignant cells, then marrow is repopulated with donor cells
explain prognosis of AML
rapidly progressive - without treatment can die in 3-months
