Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia Flashcards
1
Q
THE COMMONEST LEUKAEMIA
A
o damn
2
Q
What is it?
A
progressive accumulation of malignant clone of functionally incompetent B cells
3
Q
What are the sx
A
Often asymptomatic Incidental finding on FBC SOB and fatigue due to anaemia B sx Bleeding and infections
4
Q
what are the signs
A
Lymphadenopathy
Hepatosplenomegaly
5
Q
What investigations would you do?
A
- Blood film - smudge cells
2. FBC - lymphocytosis, anaemia, thrombocytopenia
6
Q
What age is mostly affected
A
> 60yrs
7
Q
What is the treatment?
A
- Asymptomatic pts w early stage don’t need immediate rx = OBSERVATION
- Advanced or symptomatic:
Fludaribine + rituximab +/- cyclophosphamide
Radiotherapy for lymphadenopathy + splenomegaly
8
Q
/What are complications
A
- Anaemia
- Autoimmune haemulosis
- Infection due to hypogammaglobulinaemia (IgG)
- Richters transformation
9
Q
What is Richters transformation
A
when leukaemia cells enter the LNs and change into a high grade fast growing NHL
become unwell v suddenly
10
Q
What are sx of richters transformation
A
LN swelling fever w/o infection WL Night sweats Nausea Abdo pain
