Chapter 4 Flashcards
Definition of hemostasis
Process of repairing damaged blood vessel wall. Includes Primary (formation of weak platelet plug) and Secondary (coagulation cascade stabilization).
First step in Primary Hemostasis
Transient vasoconstriction of damaged vessel due to neural stimulation AND endothelin released from endothelial cells.
Von Willebrand Factor (what it binds to and what receptors)
Binds to exposed subendothelial collagen and to Platelets via the GPIb Receptor.
Von Willebrand Factor (origin)
Weibel-Palade bodies of endothelial cells as alpha-granules of platelets
Platelet aggregation receptor
GPIIb/IIIa –> links via fibrinogen
Clinical symptoms of disorders of primary hemostasis
Mucusal bleeding (epistaxis, hemoptysis, GI bleeds, hematuria, and menorrhagia. Intracranial bleeding if very severe.
Petechiae (1-2mm), Purpura (>3mm), and Eccymoses (>1cm) also seen. Petechiae specific to thrombocytopenia…
Most common cause of thrombocytopenia in children and adults
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (description of mechanism)
Autoantibodies produced by plasma cells in spleen bind to platelets, which are then phagocytosed by Macrophages in spleen.
Acute vs. Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Acute- seen in kids, post viral infection/immunization, self limiting.
Chronic- adults, associated with SLE, and can cause short lived thrombocytopenia in offspring as IgG passes placenta.
Ultimate treatment for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Splenectomy- eliminates both primary source of antibodies and site of platelet destruction.
Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (general definition/mechanism)
Pathologic formation of platelet microthrombi in small vessels, leading to both thrombocytopenia and shearing of RBC’s (hemolytic anemia with SCHISTOCYTES, which look like little helmets, quite cute really).
When do you see Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia?
With 1. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
2. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Cause of Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
decreased levels of enzyme ADAMTS13 (most often due to acquired autoantibody), which normally helps degrade vWF –> increased vWF, so increased abnormal platelet aggregation leading to microthrombi.
Cause of HUS
Endothelial damage due to drugs or infection. Classically due to E coli O157:H7 infection in kids, with VEROTOXIN damaging the endothelium
Laboratory findings in Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura OR HUS
Thrombocytopenia
NORMAL PT/PTT (clotting factors not involved)
Anemia with Schistocytes
Increase in megakaryocytes
Bernard-Soulier Syndrome
Genetic GPIb deficiency –> platelets die sooner, so see mild thrombocytopenia with enlarged platelets (more immature)
Glanzmann thromboasthenia
Genetic GPIIb/IIIa deficiency –> impaired platelet aggregation.
Basic definition of secondary hemostasis
Coagulation cascade generates thrombin, which converts fibrinogen to fibrin and forms a stable platelet-fibrin thrombus.
Extrinsic Pathway factors, start, and measurement (PT/PTT time)
VII –> TF –> X –> V –> II –> I
TIssue Thromboplastin starts cascade.
Measure using PT time
Intrinsic pathway factors, start, and measurement (PT/PTT time)
XII –> XI –> IX –> VIII –> X –> V –> II –>I
Subendothelial collagen starts cascade
Measure using PTT time