Haematology

Question 1

Give 5 risk factors for developing leukeamia?

Answer 1

Ionising radiation
Cytotoxic drugs
Genetic disorders (Downs syndrome)
Retroviruses
Immunodeficient state

Question 2

What is the reference range for MCV?

Answer 2

76-96 femtolitres

Question 3

State 4 causes of microcytic anaemia?

Answer 3

Iron deficiency anaemia
Thalassaemia (a/b)
Anaemia of chronic disease
Sideroblastic anaemia

Question 4

Name 5 causes of normocytic anaemia?

Answer 4

Acute blood loss
Haemolysis
Pregnancy
Bone marrow failure
Renal failure

Question 5

Give 5 causes of macrocytic anaemia?

Answer 5

Folate or B12 deficiency 
Liver disease e.g. alcohol excess 
Haemolysis leading to reticulocytosis 
Cytotoxic drugs 
Marrow infiltration

Question 6

How is Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia classified?

Answer 6

Morphologically (microscopic appearance)
Immunological (surface markers)
Cytogenic (chromosomal analysis eg, philadelphia chromosome poor prognosis)

Question 7

Give the 2 clinical features associated with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

Answer 7

Marrow failure: anaemia, infections, bleeding

Infiltration: hepato/splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy

Question 8

Give the 4 mainstays of management in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

Answer 8

Support: blood/platelet transfusions, IV fluids, allopurinol (prevents tumour lysis)

Infections: Immediate IV Abx for infection

Chemotherapy

Marrow transplantation