Haematology Flashcards
How long is the lifespan of a RBC?
120 days
Why is this long life of red blood cells advantageous to us, in terms of tests?
It allows for calculation of HbA1c to show diabetic control over 2-3 months
What is HbA1c?
Glycosolated haemoglobin
How does HbA1c work? Why is this good?
Concentration of glucose bound to Hb is proportionate to the blood glucose levels at the time the cell was made, so HbA1c gives the avergae amount of glucose bound over 3 months, not just at that moment in time (cap blood glucose).
Who is HbA1c not accurate in?
Haemolytic patients due to shorter lifespan of RBCs.
What is the lifespan of a platelet? Why is this clinically relevant?
10 days - this is why pts on aspirin/clopidogrel etc need to come off it a week prior to surgery
What is the lifespan of a neutrophil?
2-4 days
What is the lifespan of a lymphocyte?
Very variable - days or years depending on the subtype/function of that lymphocyte
Where are the 2 areas that haematopoiesis occur in early gestation?
- Weeks 1-6 of gestation in the yolk sac
- Week 6 to month 6 of gestation in the liver and spleen
Where does haematopoiesis occur from month 6 of gestation throughout life?
Bone marrow
Which bones in children contribute to haematopoiesis?
All of them!
Which bones in adults contribute to haematopoiesis?
Pelvis Sternum Skull Ribs Vertebrae
Due to the areas that contribute to haematopoiesis in adults, where are most bone marrow aspirations/biopsies performed?
Anterior iliac crest
When do you get haematopoiesis occuring outside the bone marrow?
In haemoglobinopathies and myeloproliferative disorders.
What group of hormones drives haematopoiesis?
Cytokines
Which cytokines drive haematopoiesis?
Erythropoietin Thrombopoietin G-CSF GMCSF Interleukin 6 Others also
What does Erythropoietin stimulate?
Red blood cell production
Where is Erythropoietin made?
Kidneys
What does thrombopoietin stimulate?
Platelet production (via megakaryocytes)
Where is thrombopoietin made?
Liver and kidney
What does G-CSF stimulate?
Production of granulocytes and stem cells (Granulocyte colony stimulating factor)
What is GMCSF and what does it stimulate?
Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor.
Stimulates neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil production
What causes the kidney to release erythropoietin?
Hypoxia/anaemia
What does erythropoietin act on in the bone marrow?
E-progenitor cells
How is iron concentration in the body regulated?
By absorption from the gut
Where does iron come from, and how do we lose it?
Diet
Loss of blood, sloughing of mucosal epithelial cells, and pregnancy
Can we have too much iron?
Yeep
What happens in iron overload?
Fe2+ produces hydroxyl and lipid radicals -> damage lipid membranes, nucleic acids and proteins.
How are thalassaemias and myelodysplasias treated?
Regular transfusions
Other than iatrogenic, how else can a pt become iron overloaded?
Hereditary haemochromatosis
Tell me about hereditary haemochromatosis…
Autosomal recessive
Increased gut absorption
Iron deposited in liver, heart, pancreas, testicles, and skin.
What does iron deposition in these organs cause?
Cirrhosis DM Cardiomyopathy Arthritis Hypogonadism
How is hereditary haemochromatosis treated?
Desferal or regular venesection
How is iatrogenic iron overload caused and treated?
Regular transfusions
Iron chelating agents given e.g. desferal/desferrioxamine
What process are vit B12 and folate needed for?
DNA synthesis
Why are RBCs macrocytic in b12 or folate deficiency?
They can’t leave G2 stage of replication, so mitosis doesn’t occur, and cell growth continues without division.
What are the clinical signs of b12/folate deficiency?
Glossitis
Angular cheilosis/stomatitis
Jaundice
What kind of anaemia results from b12 deficiency?
Pernicious anaemia
Where is B12 absorbed from, and therefore who is at risk of developing pernicious aneamia?
Terminal ileum
Pts who have had ileal resection, Crohns pts, coeliacs, UC pts (backwash ileitis)
What is folate deficiency caused by?
Reduced absorption or increased utilisation
What diseases cause less folate absorption?
Crohn’s disease
Coeliac disease
What drugs can decrease folate levels?
Methotrexate
Trimethoprim
(Some others, used less frequently)
What can folate deficiency cause in pregnancy?
Neural tube defects
What clinical signs can B12 deficiency cause?
Peripheral neuropathy
Optic atrophy
Confusion
Reduced cognition
Name 2 haemoglobin abnormalities.
Thalassaemia
Sickle cell disease
What is a thalassaemia?
A reduced rate of synthesis of either alpha or beta globin chains so the ratio is no longer 1:1