Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Medicine > Haematology > Flashcards

Haematology Flashcards

1
Q

What are the causes of microcytic anaemia

A

TAILS

Thalassaemia

Anaemia of chronic disease

Iron deficiency anaemia

Lead poisoning

Sideroblastic anaemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the causes of normocytic anaemia

A

3 As, 2 Hs

Acute blood loss

Anaemia of chronic disease

Aplastic anaemia

Haemolytic anaemia

Hypothyroidism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the causes of macrocytic anaemia

A

Megaloblastic: due to impaired DNA synthesis, B12 deficiency, folate deficiency

Normoblastic: alcohol, reticulocytes, hypothyroidism, liver disease, azathioprine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the symptoms of anaemia

A

Tiredness

Shortness of breath

Headache

Dizziness

Palpitations

Worsening of other conditions

Specific to iron deficiency anaemia: pica, hair loss

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the signs of anaemia

A

Pale skin

Pale conjunctiva

Tachycardia

High respiratory rate

Koilonychia - iron deficiency

Angular cheilitis - iron deficiency

Atrophic glossitis - iron deficiency

Brittle hair and nails - iron deficiency

Jaundice - haemolytic

Bone deformities - thalassaemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What investigations are needed for anaemia

A

Initial: Hb, MCV, B12, folate, ferritin, blood film

Further: OGD and colonoscopy, bone marrow biopsy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the mechanisms of iron deficiency anaemia

A

Insufficient dietary intake

Increased requirement (pregnancy)

Loss (menorrhagia, GI cancers)

Inadequate absorption (coeliac, IBD, PPIs)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the management for iron deficiency anaemia

A

Blood transfusions

Iron infusion

Oral iron (not suitable if due to malabsorption)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is pernicious anaemia

A

Can cause B12 deficiency anaemia

Autoimmune (antibodies against parietal cells, intrinsic factor - B12 can not be absorbed)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the symptoms of pernicious anaemia

A

Peripheral neuropathy

Paraesthesia

Loss of vibration sense

Loss of proprioception

Vision changes

Mood changes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What investigations are needed for pernicious anaemia

A

Intrinsic factor antibodies

Gastric parietal cell antibodies

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the management for pernicious anaemia

A

Oral replacement (cyanocobalamin)

IM hydroxycobalamin (3 times a week for 2 weeks, then every 3 months)

If also have folate deficiency, treat B12 deficiency first

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the inherited causes of haemolytic anaemia

A

Hereditary spherocytosis

Hereditary elliptocytosis

Thalassaemia

Sickle cell anaemia

G6PD deficiency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the acquired causes of haemolytic anaemia

A

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

Transfusion reaction

Haemolytic disease of the newborn

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria

Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia

Prosthetic valve related haemolysis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the main features of haemolytic anaemia

A

Anaemia

Splenomegaly

Jaundice

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What investigations are needed in haemolytic anaemia

A

FBC (normocytic anaemia)

Blood film (schistocytes)

Direct Coombs test (positive in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia)

17
Q

What is sickle cell anaemia

A

Crescent shaped RBCs

Fragile, easily destroyed

Get haemolytic anaemia

Patients have HbS variant

Autosomal recessive

Protective against malaria

18
Q

How can sickle cell anaemia be diagnosed

A

High risk women offered test during pregnancy

Heel prick test

19
Q

What are the complications of sickle cell anaemia

A

Anaemia

Increased infection risk

Stroke

Avascular necrosis of large joints

Pulmonary hypertension

Priapism

CKD

Sickle cell crisis

Acute coronary syndrome

20
Q

What is the management for sickle cell anaemia

A

Avoid dehydration

Ensure vaccinations up to date

Antibiotic prophylaxis (penicillin V)

Hydroxycarbamide (stimulates production of HbF)

Blood transfusion

Bone marrow transplant (curative)

21
Q

Give an overview of sickle cell crisis

A

Triggers: stress, infection, dehydration, cold, significant life event

Supportive management: low threshold for admission, treat any infection, keep warm, keep well hydrated, simple analgesia, penile aspiration (for priapism)

22
Q

What is thrombocytopenia

A

Low platelet count

23
Q

What are the causes of thrombocytopenia

A

Problems with production: sepsis, B12/folate deficiency, liver failure, leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome

Problems with destruction: medications (sodium valproate, methotrexate, antihistamines, PPIs), alcohol, immune thrombocytopenia purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, haemolytic uraemic syndrome

24
Q

How might thrombocytopenia present

A

Mild: asymptomatic

Moderate: spontaneous bruising, prolonged bleeding time, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, menorrhagia, bloody urine/stool

Severe: high risk of spontaneous bleeding

25
Q

What are the differentials for prolonged bleeding

A

Thrombocytopenia

Haemophilia A/B

Von Willebrand disease

Disseminated intravascular coagulation

26
Q

What are the risk factors for DVT

A

Immobility

Recent surgery

Long haul flights

Pregnancy

HRT (with oestrogen)

Malignancy

Polycythaemia

SLE

Thrombophilia

27
Q

What are the contraindications for VTE prophylaxis

A

Active bleeding

Already on anticoagulation

28
Q

Which LMWH is most commonly used for VTE prophylaxis

A

Enoxaparin

29
Q

How might DVTs present

A

Unilateral

Calf/leg swelling

Dilated superficial veins

Calf tenderness

Oedema

Leg colour changes

30
Q

How are DVTs diagnosed

A

Assess using Wells score

D-dimer (sensitive, not specific)

Doppler ultrasound (if negative but symptoms suggestive, repeat after a few days)

31
Q

What is the management for DVTs

A

Initial: treatment dose LMWH (enoxaparin, dalteparin)

Long term: warfarin, NOAC, LMWH. Continue for: 3 months if obvious reversible cause, 3-6 months if cause unclear or recurrent, 6 months in active cancer

32
Q

What is the NICE guideline regarding first unprovoked DVTs

A

Investigate for possible cancer: CXR, bloods, urine dip, CT abdo-pelvis, mammogram

If family history of VTE, assess for hereditary thrombophilias

Medicine (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions