Haem Flashcards
Define anaemia.
Low haemoglobin concentration due to reduced cell mass, or increased plasma volume
Give 4 causes of macrocytic anaemia
B12/folate deficiency
Alcohol excess/ liver disease
Hypothyroidism
Reticulocytosis
Give 2 causes of megaloblastic macrocytic anaemia.
Folate deficiency
B12 deficiency
What mutation is the philadelphia chromosome?
A translocation of part of chromosome 9 to chromosome 22.
What distinguished Hodgkin’s Lymphoma from NHL?
Reed-Sternberg cells
What electrolyte abnormalities are seen in tumour lysis syndrome?
Hypocalcaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperuricaemia, hyperphosphataemia
What is tumour lysis syndrome?
Electrolyte and metabolite abnormalities that occur after starting cancer treatment
Why does tumour lysis syndrome occur?
The rapid breakdown of large numbers of cells released electrolytes
What is the treatment of tumour lysis syndrome?
IV fluids
Allopurinol - to reduce uric acid
Phosphate binder - aluminium hydroxide
Dialysis for electrolyte rebalance
What would confirm acute lymphoid leukaemia on a blood film?
More than 20% blast cells
Why does febrile neutropenia occur?
Complication of cancer treatment
What is the criteria for the diagnosis of febrile neutropenia?
Fever >38
Absolute neutrophil count < 1
Why do patients with myeloma experience bone loss?
Myeloma leads to the release of cytokines that stimulate osteoclasts and inhibit osteoblasts
What is rituximab used to treat?
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, some non-Hodgkin lymphomas
What type of drug is rituximab?
Monoclonal antibody
What receptor does rituximab target?
CD20 proteins on the surface of B cells
What is the most common cause of B12 deficiency?
Pernicious anaemia
What tests can be done for pernicious anaemia?
Intrinsic factor levels and parietal cell antibodies
How long do stores of vitamin B12 last?
2-5 years
What is the most common cell of origin for NHL?
B cells
What symptoms are seen in hypocalcaemia?
Mnemonic - CATs go numb
C - convulsions
A - arrhythmias
T - tetany (muscle spasms)
Numbness
Prolonged QT
What signs are seen in hypocalcaemia?
Chovstek’s sign and Trosseau’s sign
What is Chovstek’s sign?
A twitch of the facial muscles when touching a patient’s cheek (in front of the ear)
What is Trosseau’s sign?
Flexion of the wrist when a blood pressure monitor is inflated
What blood results are seen in haemolytic anaemia?
Decreased haptoglobin
Normocytic anaemia
Increased reticulocytes
What kind of anaemia can G6PD deficiency cause?
Haemolytic anaemia - normocytic anaemia
Give 4 causes of polycythemia.
JAK2 mutation, alcohol, living at altitude, obstructive sleep apnoea
Which cause of polycythemia is a primary cause?
JAK2 mutation
What condition are auer rods associated with?
Acute myeloid leukaemia
What is the treatment of uncomplicated malaria?
Oral hydroxychloroquine + primaquine
What is black water fever?
A complication of malaria as a result of haemolysis
What is seen in blackwater fever?
Dark urine
What is the first line treatment for severe malaria?
IV artesunate
What changes would be seen on a blood film in iron deficiency anaemia?
Hypochromic red blood cells, microcytic cells
What type of anaemia is chronic disease associated with?
Microcytic or normocytic
What is the most common form of anaemia?
Iron deficiency anaemia
What is the first line treatment of iron deficiency anaemia?
Oral iron supplements
What is sideroblastic anaemia?
Anaemia where the body produces enough iron but is unable to incorporate it into haemoglobin
What is the first line treatment of sideroblastic anaemia?
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
What medication is used as prophylaxis for sickle cell crisis?
Hydroxycarbamide
What are xanthoma?
Fatty yellow spots under the eyes
What is the precursor condition to myeloma?
MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)
What blood and urine results would be seen in myeloma?
Blood - roleaux formation of RBCs
Urine - Bence-Jones proteins
What is the most common cause of polycythemia rubra vera?
JAK2 mutation
Give 4 symptoms of polycythemia rubra vera.
Itching
Haemorrhage
Thrombosis
Dizziness
What condition are Heinz bodies seen in?
G6PD deficiency
How is G6PD deficiency inheritied?
X-linked recessive
What enzyme is deficient in Gilbert’s syndrome?
UDP glucoronosyltransferase
When is jaundice typically seen in Gilbert’s syndrome?
Current infection, exercise or fasting
What is the treatment for normocytic anaemia or anaemia of chronic disease?
EPO injection
What treatment options are there for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Oral B12, IM hydroxocobalamine
What drug is contraindicated in G6PD deficiency?
Nitrofurantoin
What condition are bite cells associated with?
G6PD deficiency
Give 4 causes of thrombocytopenia.
Myeloma
Heparin
Toxins (including alcohol)
Viral infection (e.g HIV, TB)
What age is CML commonly seen?
40-60
What age group is CLL seen in?
Elderly
What age typically are myeloma patients?
> 70
What is the gold standard test for sickle cell anaemia?
Hb electrophoresis
What is the first line treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia?
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Give an example of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Imatinib
What is the first line treatment of myeloma?
VAD chemotherapy
What makes up VAD chemotherapy?
Vincristine
Adriamycin
Doxorubicin
What is the pathophysiology of hereditary spherocytosis?
A defect in the red cell membrane make the cell more permeable to sodium ions
What is the infective stage of malaria?
Sporozoites