Haematology

Question 1

what is iron deficiency anaemia?

Answer 1

insufficient iron to support red blood cell production

Question 2

name some common microcytic anaemias

Answer 2

Iron deficiency
Thalassaemia
Anaemia of chronic disease

Question 3

name some macrocytic anaemias

Answer 3

Vit B12/folate deficiency
alcohol
liver disease
hypothyroidism

Question 4

name some normocytic anaemias

Answer 4

acute blood loss
anaemia of chronic disease
renal failure
haemolytic anaemias

Question 5

common causes of iron deficiency anaemia?

Answer 5

blood loss
increased demand - pregnancy
reduced intake - malabsorption, diet

Question 6

signs of iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 6

pallor, Koilonychia (spoon nails), angular cheilitis, glossitis, tachycardia

Question 7

symptoms of anaemia?

Answer 7

fatigue, headache, faintness, SoB, hair loss, tinnitus, angina

Question 8

main cause of vitamin B12/folate deficiency

Answer 8

Pernicious anaemia
autoimmune disorder, atrophic gastritis of parietal cells in gastric mucosa
no intrinsic factor to absorb B12
dietary deficiency of folic acid

Question 9

what are some common side effects of treatment with ferrous sulphate

Answer 9

constipation, black stools, diarrhoea, heartburn, abdo pain

these should decrease with time

Question 10

why does vitamin B12 and folate deficiency cause anaemia?

Answer 10

macrocytic - cells are larger because they cannot produce DNA quickly enough to divide at the right time

Question 11

what effect does alcohol have on the bone marrow

Answer 11

chronic overuse has a toxic effect - normoblastic, macrocytic anaemia

Question 12

what is lymphoma and how is it classified

Answer 12

malignant tumour of the lymphatic system caused by excess proliferation of lymphocytes
Hodgkin’s - +ve Reed Sternberg cells
Non-Hodgkins - no Reed Sternberg cells