Haematological Disease (tutorial) Flashcards
Wha is idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP)?
Autoantibodies opsonise platelets which are then lysed in the spleen
Reactive increase in megakaryocyte production may occur
Petechia/purpura and bleeding may result
What may trigger ITP?
Certain drugs
- heparin
- quinine
What is hereditary spherocytosis?
Genetic mutation responsible for RBC membrane proteins leads to stiff and spherical RBCs
These are less capable of squeezing through capillaries
Therefore increased RBC lysis occurs
What is aplastic anaemia?
Autoimmune suppression of marrow stem cells
- may be T cell mediated (produce cytokines inhibiting stem cell differentiation)
Pancytopaenia results
What may trigger aplastic anaemia?
Radiation, viruses, drugs
What is the result of the FBC in aplastic anaemia
Pancytopaenia
What is anaemia of chronic kidney failure?
Decreased/absent EPO results in insufficient production of RBCs
What is anaemia of chronic disease?
Increased inflammatory cytokines in system leads to:
- increased WC production => less red cells
- inhibition of red cell precursor and decreased iron availablility
What is the mechanism behind decreased iron availability in anaemia of chronic disease?
Increased amounts of Hepcidin (a hormone produced by the liver) decreases the amount of iron absorbed and decreased the release of iron stores from gut
What is the result of decreased iron levels in blood?
Decreases erythropoiesis which results in fewer RBCs produced
What is pernicious anaemia?
Autoimmune attack against gastric parietal cells which leads to decreased intrinsic factor production
- anti-parietal cell antibodies and anti-IF antibodies often present
What is the name of the test that determines the cause of reduced serum vit-B12 levels?
Schilling test
