Erythrocytes II: anaemia and Thalassaemia Flashcards
what is a Spherocyte?
type of RBC
what do spherocytes cause?
they cause haemolytic anaemia
what is haemolytic anaemia
it is anaemia caused due to hemolysis, which is when the cell rupture and burst
what causes spherocytes to not be able to form a biconcave disc and look like a football?
the protein spectrin in the spherocyte is abnormal
what happens when the rupturing of spherocytes occurs?
when this occurs, they release all their haemoglobin increasing blood viscocity
what is anaemia?
a state in which the concentration of Hb is below normal concentration relative to the age and gender of the person.
what does anaemia lead to?
anaemia leads to reduced ability to transport O2
what is haemoglobinopathy?
a hematologic disorder due to alteration in the genetically determined molecular structure of Hb
what are examples of Haemoglobinopathy?
-sickle cell anaemia
- haemolytic anaemia
- Thalassaemia
what is sickle cell anaemia?
this is when the beta global chain is replaced by HbS, which as the Amino acid valine in Hb instead of glutamic acid
what are common symptoms of anaemia?
- Tachycardia
- weakness and lethargy
- visual disturbances
- bounding pulse
- cardiomegaly
- shortness of breath
- palpitations
- feeling “cold”
what measurements can a doctor take for you if you show signs of anaemia?
- haemoglobin levels
- RBC count
- size and shape of RBC
- Mean cell haemoglobin structure
describe features of the patient will a doctor will use as indication for a patient having anaemia
- palms
- nail beds
- Pallor
-complexion
-conjunctivae
what is a mendelian disorder?
lack of or decreased synthesis of either ɑ or β global chain
describe and explain ɑ-thalassaemia.
deficient synthesis of ɑ chains, so inadequate Hb.
This means that the ability of Hb to carry oxygen is diminished.
which populations is ɑ-thalassaemia most common in?
common in Asian and African populations
describe β-thalassaemia
deficient synthesis of β globin chain, however normal ɑ globin synthesis.
There is an overall lack of HbA formation, so low overall concentration of Hb in RBCs
what are pale cells called?
hypochromic cells
explain what happens to people with β thalassaemia
erythrocytes and reticulocytes are destroyed in the spleen because of the globin chain imbalance, causing severe anaemia.
Iron overloads in your plasma are caused as a result of this.
Spleen can enlarge
bone marrow can start to increase due to the formation of many RBCs due to the spleen destroying them.
which populations is β-thalassaemia common in?
common in Mediterranean, parts of African and South East Asian populations
what is Thalassaemia Major?
this is a type of β-thalassaemia which is the worst type
what are some symptoms of all types of thalassaemia?
symptoms include:
- iron overload in plasma
- Insufficient oxygen around the body
- Bone marrow increasing in size
