Blood Disorders and Shock Flashcards
What Is Anaemia
is defined by having abnormally low levels of haemoglobin in the blood.
Less than 12g of haemoglobin per decilitre in females, less than 13g per decilitre in males, and less than 10g per decilitre in children
What are regular symptoms for Anaemia
tiredness or fatigue
poor muscle performance
Dyspnoea
Dizziness/light-headedness (pre-syncope)
More pale skin.
Define Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Insufficient dietary iron = insufficient haemoglobin = erythrocytes are shrunken*
Symptoms of Iron deficiency Anaemia
Same as regular Anaemia
What are some causes of Iron Def Anaemia
Chronic blood loss - heavy periods/stomach ulcers/excessive blood donation/ regular nosebleeds
Poor balanced diet / malnourishment
Define what B9 or B12 DEF Anaemia is
Caused by insufficient dietary Vit B9/B12
Meaning :erythrocytes (blood cell made in the bone marrow& found in blood) do NOT develop and are immature and swollen.
example of this - Macrocytic anaemia
Name some conditions that reduce B9/B12 absorption from diet
autoimmune disorders
digestive systems conditions (Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease etc.)
some medications
some cancers
alcohol abuse.
How is B9/B12 Anaemia treated
B9 or B12 (sometimes via injections), and/or treat the underlying issues with absorbance.
How to treat/manage Iron DEF Anaemia
Can be treated with increasing iron in the diet, or iron supplements/tablets.
Define what Sickle Cell Anaemia is
A genetic haemoglobinopathy (Hereditary).
Patient have a gene that encodes faulty kind of Haemoglobin cells are shaped as sickle form strands. (causing less surface area for gas-exchange etc)
Meaning the erythrocytes look similar to OLD RBC so these get broken down quickly ‘got rid off’ causing low RBC count.
If NOT managed what can sickle cell anaemia lead to
Vaso-occlusive crisis
What does Sickle cell anaemia cause
Reduce or block blood flow through a vessel leading to :
Ischemia
if severe ischemia-injury-infarction-necrosis
Thalassemia
problem making haemoglobin all together leading to increased clearance of RBC.
Two types:
Alpha thalassemia - production of the alpha subunit of Hb is disrupted.
Beta thalassemia - production of the beta subunit of Hb is disrupted.
Define Alpha Thalassemia
production of the alpha subunit of Hb is disrupted
Define Beta thalassemia
production of the beta subunit of Hb is disrupted.
Symptoms of Thalassemia
Hyper enlarged spleen-pain and venerable to infection
Excessive erythropoiesis means ‘overuse’ of bone marrow → bone deformities and brittleness.
Define Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction
Giving the wrong blood compatibility.
starting the cycle of RBC sticking together creating a net then - clotting the - ischemia and eventually unmanaged tissue death
What causes Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction
When the incorrect blood even a few ML is given to the patient causing
Failing homeostasis
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (many small clots around the body)
symptoms of Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction
Hives/rash (urticaria): skin covered in red, itchy/stinging, raised blotches.
Failing homeostasis: Hypotension, increased resp. rate (tachypnoea), pyrexia
Vomiting/nausea
Disseminated intravascular coagulation: formation of many blood clots throughout the body, blocking small blood vessels. What kind of shock will arise from this?
Confusingly, DIC also causes excess bleeding because clotting factors and platelets are being used up. This causes blood in urine and stools.
Treatment of Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction
Immediately stop transfusion.
treat any arising symptoms
Define Haemolytic Disease of the New-borns
When mother and child are RH +- opposites. mixing of the two bloods can be detrimental to both child and parent.
When could Haemolytic Disease of the New-borns occur
During birth
Complications during pregnancy causing the blood to mix
Define Haemophilia
An inherited disorder causing the blood to not clot properly.
Symptoms of Haemophilia
Blood in the urine and/or stools
Bleeding into the joints, causing swelling and pain
Easy bruising (aka: as contusions, haematoma of the tissue), caused by trauma damaging the capillaries
Frequent bleeding of the mouth/gums and nose that does not easily stop
What is the most dangerous complication of Haemophilia
severe blood loss following an injury, as the blood does not effectively clot.
