Haematology 1b The Red Cell Flashcards
Define Hematopoiesis
The differentiation processes that lead to the formation of all blood cells from haematopoietic stem cells.
Define Erythropoiesis
The process which produces the red blood cell
How many haemoglobin molecules are found in a red blood cell?
270 million
Haemoglobin performs the main functions of the red blood cells which is to what?
Carry oxygen to the tissues and returning CO2
Haemoglobin is a 4 component structure describe this structure.
- Two alpha chains
- Two beta chains.
What is an Erythrocyte?
Red blood cell
Where is erythropoietin (EPO) released?
Major?
Minor?
- Kidney
- Liver
EPO production Is stimulated by? (4)
- Hypoxia
- High Altitude
- Exercise
- Cardiac/Pulmonary disease
What ultimately is the role of EPO?
Restore normal blood oxygen levels
How does EPO restore normal blood oxygen levels? (3)
- EPO stimulates red bone marrow
- Enhanced erythropoiesis increases RBC count
- This increases oxygen carrying ability of blood
How long does RBC break down take?
120 days
What is anaemia?
- Decrease in the level of haemoglobin in the blood (below the normal)
- Reduction in the ability of the blood to carry oxygen
What are some of the symptoms of anaemia? (3)
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Angina
What is Polycythaemia?
- Overproduction of RBCs
- Increase blood viscosity and reduced flow rate of blood
What could Polycythaemia lead to?
Embolism, stroke or heart failure
What is primary Polycythaemia?
Stem cell disorder leading to excessive erythropoiesis
What is secondary Polycythaemia?
Due to increase in EPO production
What can lead to a reduced red blood cell production (2)
- Deficiency states (B12, folate and iron deficiencies)
- Bone marrow failure
What conditions can lead to an increased destruction in RBCs? (3)
- Sickle cell disease and Thalassaemia
- G6PD deficiency
- Hereditary diseases
What is the most common anaemia?
Iron deficiency anaemia
What are some of the mouth signs of iron deficiency? (4)
- Atrophic glossitis (sore tongue)
- Angular cheilitis (inflammation of corner of mouth)
- Ulceration
- Pallor of oral mucosa
What group is most affected by B12 deficiency?
Most common in women (55-60 years old)
What are some of the causes of B12 deficiency? (5)
- Pernicious anaemia
- Gastrectomy (surgery on stomach)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Nitrous oxide use
- Crohn’s disease
What are some of the dental aspects linked to B12 deficiency?
- Beefy red tongue
- Angular cheilitis (inflammation of corner of mouth)
- Tingling sensations
What can cause folate deficiency? (3)
- Chronic alcoholism
- Drug induced
- HIV
How can you treat folate deficiency?
Daily oral folic acid use
What conditions are abnormalities of Haemoglobin formation? (2)
- Sickle cell disease
- Thalassaemia
What conditions are abnormalities of Erythrocyte structure and function? (2)
S E
- Hereditary spherocytosis and eliptocytosis
- G6DP deficiency
What are some of the Orofacial manifestations of someone with sickle cell anaemia? (4)
- Painful infarcts in jaw
- Hypercementosis
- Excessive overbite
- Hypomineralised teeth
