Disorders of WBCs Flashcards
(15 cards)
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
