Haematology Flashcards
What organ produces thrombopoietin?
The liver
What is the effect of thrombopoietin?
It stimulates megakaryocyte development and platelet production
In health, how long do platelets remain in the circulation before being cleared by the spleen?
8-10 days
What type of bleeding predominates in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)?
Mucocutaneous bleeding e.g. petechiae, increased menstrual bleeding, and nosebleeds
What is the cause of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)?
Immune attack of platelets leading to increased splenic clearance and a shorter lifespan
What is the main difference between the management of the ITP in kids and adults?
In kids it is usually self-limiting - watch and wait. In adults may need to treat with steroids if platelets drop below 10x10^9/L or if there is severe bleeding
What two features on a blood film should make one think of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?
Red cell fragments and thrombocytopenia
Deficiency in which blood protein leads to TTP?
ADAMTS13
Small blood vessels in which organs are the most common sites for clots in TTP?
The brain, heart, and kidneys
What is the function of ADAMTS13?
It cuts Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) into small fragments
What is the most important thing to do when managing a patient with diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
Treat the underlying cause
What laboratory findings are characteristic of DIC?
Thrombocytopenia and prolonged PT and APTT (due to lack of clotting factors)
What type of blood cancer commonly causes DIC?
Acute promyelocytic leukemia
What bacterium commonly causes haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)?
E. coli 0157
What clinical features are characteristic of HUS?
Diarrhea and an out-of-proportion kidney injury in a kid
