Haematology Flashcards
1
Q
What is polycythaemia?
A
An increase in [Hb] above the normal limit for age and sex
Relative (normal red cell mass but decreased volume) or absolute - true (increased red cell mass)
2
Q
What causes polycythaemia?
A
- Polycythaemia rubra vera - chronic proliferation of myeloid cells
- Secondary
- Appropriate increase in EPO - chronic hypoxia in chronic lung disease
- Inappropriate increase in EPO - renal Ca/cysts/hydronephrosis, HCC, fibroids, cerebellar haemangioblastoma, EPO abuse in athletes
- Relative polycythaemia - dehydration (diuretics, burns, enteropathy)
3
Q
Who usually presents with polycythaemia rubra vera?
A
Middle-aged
40-60
4
Q
What are the symptoms of polycythaemia rubra vera?
A
Headache Dyspnoea Tinnitus Blurred vision due to hyperviscosity Pruritis on water contact Night sweats Thrombosis - DVT, stroke Pain due to PUD Angina Gout Choreiform mvmts
5
Q
What are the signs of polycythaemia rubra vera?
A
Plethoric - red face Excorations Conjunctival suffusion - like conjunctivitis but no inflammatory exudates Retinal venous enlargement HTN Splenomegaly - 75%
6
Q
How is polycythaemia investigated?
A
- BLOODS: FBC - high Hb, hct + low MCV
2, Isotope
