Haematology

Question 1

Signs sickle cell disease

Answer 1

Signs sickle cell disease  
Mnemonic: SICKLE  
S  	Splenomegaly/Sludging  
I  	Infection  
C 	Cholelithiasis 
K	Kidney – haematuria  
L	Liver congestion/Leg ulcers  
E 	Eye changes

Question 2

Symptoms and signs leukaemia

Answer 2

Symptoms and signs leukaemia
Mnemonic: LEUKEMIA (the US spelling!) 
L 	Light skin (pallor)  
E  	Energy decreased/Enlarged spleen, liver, lymph nodes  
U  	Underweight  
K  	Kidney failure  
E  	Excess heat (fever)  
M  	Mottled skin (haemorrhage)  
I  	Infections  
A  	Anaemia

Question 3

Causes of thrombocytopenia

Answer 3

Causes of thrombocytopenia  
Mnemonic: PLATELETS  
P 	Platelet disorders: TTP, ITP, DIC  
L  	Leukaemia  
A  	Anaemia  
T 	Trauma  
E  	Enlarged spleen  
L  	Liver disease  
E  	Ethanol  
T  	Toxins: benzene, heparin, aspirin, chemotherapy.  
S  	Sepsis

Question 4

Causes Immune thromobocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Answer 4

Causes Immune thromobocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Mnemonic: MAID
M Malignancy
A Autoimmune diseases: SLE, thyroid disease, RA
I Infections: malaria, EBV, HIV/Idiopathic (commonest cause)
D Drugs, e.g. quinine

Question 5

Symptoms Immune thromobocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Answer 5

Symptoms Immune thromobocytopenic purpura (ITP) 
Mnemonic: BBC  
B 	Bruising  
B	Bleeding: mucosal and nasal  
C	Cycles heavy; menorrhagia