Clinical Conditions (ESA2)

Question 0

Multiple sclerosis

Answer 0

Autoimmune
Attacks proteins that hold myelin together
Myelin destroyed in certain areas of CNS (not PNS)
Can have dramatic effects on ability of previously myelinated
axons to conduct AP properly;
decreased conduction velocity, complete block or only some APs transmitted

Question 1

Haemolytic anaemias:

Hereditary spherocytosis

Hereditary elliptocytosis

Answer 1

HS:
Spectrin depleted 40-50%
Rounding up (Rugby ball shape)
Increased cell lysis
Reduced lifespan rbc
Bone marrow unable to compensate = haemolytic anaemia

HL:
Spectrin molecules unable to form heterotetrameters
Fragile, elliptoid cells
Haemolytic anaemia

Question 2

Arthritis:

Rheumatoid vs Oesteoarthritis

Answer 2

RA:
Autoimmune
Less common
Occurs at any age
Inflammatory; thinning of articulating cartilage & inflammation of surrounding tendons/ligaments
Affects synovium

OA:
More common
Occurs with age
Not inflammatory; damage to articulating cartilage, making it thinner/rougher
Affects cartilage

Question 3

Paget’s Disease

Answer 3

chronic disorder that can result in enlarged and misshapen bones. caused by excessive breakdown and formation of bone, followed by disorganized bone remodeling.
affected bone to weakens = pain, misshapen bones, fractures and arthritis in the joints near the affected bones.
Often localized to only a few bones in the body (as opposied to arthritis): e.g. pelvis, femur, and lower lumbar vertebrae

Management:
Bisphosphonates (promote apoptosis of oesteoclasts)
Clacitonin (promote storage of calcium)