Haematology Flashcards
What are the common causes of iron deficiency anemia?
Blood loss (menorrhagia, GI bleeding), poor diet, malabsorption, hookworm
What are the two types of thalassemia, and which globin chains are affected in each?
α-thalassemia (ɑ-globin chains), β-thalassemia (β-globin chains)
What is a common symptom seen in both α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia?
Splenomegaly
What characteristic feature is seen in the bone marrow of sideroblastic anemia?
Ringed sideroblasts
What is the primary treatment for iron deficiency anemia?
Ferrous sulfate 200mg/8h continued for >3mo after Hb normalizes
What is a hallmark symptom of sickle cell disease?
Vaso-occlusive “painful” crisis
What is the recommended treatment for acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease?
O2, fluids, PCA, antibiotics ± blood transfusion
What distinguishes chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in blood tests?
High lymphocytes
What mutation is commonly associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)?
Philadelphia chromosome, t(9;22)
What coagulation disorder is associated with the presence of Livedo reticularis?
Antiphospholipid syndrome
When is testing for thrombophilia recommended?
Criteria include a history of thrombosis, unexplained thrombosis at a young age, recurrent pregnancy loss, or a family history of thrombosis.
What are the diagnostic criteria for myeloma?
Monoclonal band in serum or urine, increased plasma cells on bone marrow biopsy, evidence of end-organ damage
What symptom is often seen in myelofibrosis?
Pruritis after a hot bath
What are the common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Fatigue, koilonychia, atrophic glossitis, angular cheilosis
What characteristic finding is observed in the blood film of sickle cell disease?
Sickle cells and target cells
What is the primary treatment for thrombocytosis in essential thrombocythemia?
Aspirin, hydroxyurea/hydroxycarbamide
What is the common diagnostic test for inherited thrombophilia? (antiphospholipid syndrome)
Anti-cardiolipin, high aPTT, low platelet count
What are the characteristic symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?
Lymphadenopathy (usually regional, alcohol-induced pain), hepatosplenomegaly, B symptoms
What is the primary symptom in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)?
Pentad of fever, renal failure, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurological changes
What is the primary cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Malabsorption (pernicious anemia, post-gastrectomy, bowel resection, Crohn’s disease)
What complications are commonly associated with thalassemia?
Failure to thrive, splenomegaly, bone hypertrophy
What symptoms are commonly observed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
Bone marrow failure (anaemia, infection, bleeding), lymphadenopathy
What is a primary symptom observed in acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML)?
Gum hypertrophy, hepatosplenomegaly