Blood, Lymphatic and Immune Systems Flashcards
Define: chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Think of definition, aetiology, symptoms, treatment.
A neoplasm of blood-forming tissues, where B-lymphocytes proliferate in the bone marrow, blood, liver and lymphoid organs.
Symptoms - enlarged lymph nodes, malaise, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss and nocturnal sweating.
- rarely seen in under 35’s
- usually develops over 10 years or more
Define: Splenomegaly
Think of definition, aetiology, symptoms, treatment.
Enlargement of the spleen
Aetiology (cause) - infections, liver diseases, leukaemia, lymphoma and types of anaemia
Symptoms - pain and tenderness in the left upper quadrant
Treatment - varied and aimed at the cause of the disease, but sometimes a splenectomy is required.
Define: Haemophilia
Think of definition, aetiology, symptoms, treatment.
An inherited disorder of blood coagulation characterised by a tendency to experience spontaneous or traumatic haemorrhages, usually internally into the joints or muscles.
- over time the bleeding can cause severe arthritis and chronic pain
Aetiology (cause): A defect in one of the factors involved in the blood coagulating mechanism.
Symptoms: Easy bruising from an early age / greater than normal bleeding following an injury or surgery + other heavy bleeding (menstruation, pregnancy)
Define: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Think of definition, aetiology, symptoms, treatment.
(Can also be called B-cell or T-cell lymphoma)
A group of malignant tumours of the lymphocytes without the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells (defining factor between Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s)
Symptoms: painless swelling of a lymph node, unexplained fevers, loss of appetite, tiredness, itchy skin
Treatment options: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell transplants and immunotherapy
Define: Thalassaemia
Think of definition, aetiology, symptoms, treatment.
A genetic / inherited blood disorder caused by a fault in the production rate of haemoglobin in the blood. Occurs when there’s a fault in the alpha or beta haemoglobin gene which can cause minor or major illness. (Usually affects people of Mediterranean descent).
Symptoms: Tiredness, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath, dark urine, swollen belly, pale or yellow skin
Treatment: Regular blood transfusions followed by medication to remove the excess iron caused by the blood transfusions.
Define this abbreviation: AXR (2 words)
Abdominal X-ray
Define this abbreviation: LUQ (3 words)
Left upper quadrant
Define this abbreviation: CT (2 words)
Computed tomography
Define this abbreviation: PTT (3 words)
Partial thromboplastin time
Define this abbreviation: DIC (3 words)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Define this abbreviation: AML (3 words)
Acute myeloid leukaemia
Define this abbreviation: PLTS (1 word)
Platelets
Define this abbreviation: WCC (3 words)
White cell count
Define this abbreviation: ESR (3 words)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Define this abbreviation: RCC (3 words)
Red cell count
Name the condition where you experience multiple pinpoint haemorrhages and accumulation of blood under the skin: (1 word)
Purpura
Name the condition where there’s a failure of blood cell production due to aplasia (absense of developmental, formation) of bone marrow cells: (2 words)
Aplastic anaemia
What is the name given to a malignant tumour of bone marrow? (2 words)
Multiple myeloma
What is the name given for an abnormally low white cell count? (1 word)
Leukopenia
Name the condition where there’s chronic swelling due to accumulation of interstitial fluid secondary to obstruction of lymphatic channels? (1 word)
Lymphoedema
Name the product that aids in blood clotting? (1 word)
Fibrinogen
Lymph flows from capillaries into these? (2 words)
Lymph vessels
Name the liquid connective tissue that transports materials to and from the cells of the body? (1 word)
Blood
White blood cells are also called these? (1 word)
Leukocytes
