Disorders of WBCs Flashcards
Leukocytes
Leukocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes etc.
They defend the body against infection and infestation
Leucocytosis
An increase in total white cell number
Leucopenia
A decrease in total white cell number
Leukaemia
Neoplasia of white cells leading to a massive and malignant increase in cell number
Leukaemoid
A massive but non-malignant increase in white cell numbers
Leukocytes in diagnosis
The type of leukocyte that is found in the blood can indicate a specific disease
- Neutrophils = bacterial infections/ tissue damage
- Lymphocytes = viral infections
- Eosinophils = parasitic infections/ allergic reaction
- Monocytes = chronic bacterial infections
- Basophils = myeloproliferative disorders
Neutrophilia
Refers to an increase in neutrophil numbers
Causes = bacterial infections, inflammation, tissue necrosis, metabolic disorders, malignant neoplasia, drugs
Neutropenia
Refers to a decrease in neutrophil numbers
Causes = viral infections, severe bacteria infections, drugs, autoimmune diseases
Pancytopenia
Refers to decrease in all leukocytes
Causes = bone marrow failure, megaloblastic anaemia, hypersplenism
Lymphocytosis
Refers to an increase in leukocyte numbers
Causes = acute viral infections, leukaemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Symptoms = enlargement of lymph nodes
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a neoplasm of WBCs
Acute = occurs when blast cells fail to differentiate properly and enter the blood
Chronic = occurs when cells become neoplastic but still maintain their ability to differentiate
Symptoms of leukaemia
- High peripheral WBCs
- Anaemia
- Splenomegaly
- Hepatomegaly
- Lymphadenopathy
Lymphoma
Malignant tumours of lymphoid cells
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Symptoms = fever, weight loss, sweating, Reed-Sternberg cells
Associated with previous infection with EBV
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Most common type of lymphoma
Symptoms = fever, sweating, weight loss, lymphadenopathy, extranodal presentation
