Haematology Flashcards
Briefly describe the pathophysiology behind Von Willebrand disease.
Bleeding disorder due to an abnormality of vWF. vWF acts as an adhesive bridge between platelets and the damaged sub-endothelium. Without it it takes longer for bleeding to stop.
Describe the treatment for VWD.
- Mild- Desmopressin (DDAVP)
2. Severe- plasma dereived FVIII concentrate
Describe the inheritance pattern seen in haemophilia.
X linked recessive
Haemophilia A is due to a deficiency in which clotting factor?
Factor VIII
Haemophilia B is due to a deficiency in which clotting factor?
Factor IX
Give 3 signs of haemophilia.
- Easy bruising
- Haematomas
- Joint bleeds - prophylaxis should be given to prevent this.
Give 2 causes of thrombocytopenia in children.
- ITP
2. Marrow failure
Give 3 signs of thrombocytopenia.
- Petechial rash.
- Bruising.
- Bleeding.
What diagnosis would you suspect in a child with a single figure platelet count but is otherwise well?
ITP.
They would have a normal blood film and clotting, just very low platelets.
What can trigger acute ITP?
Viral infection
What is the most common cause of anaemia in children?
Iron deficiency
Give 3 signs of anaemia in children.
- Pallor.
- Irritable.
- Tachycardic.
- Murmurs.
What is the treatment for iron deficiency anaemia?
Ferrous sulphate tablets
Why does the treatment for iron deficiency anaemia sometimes fail?
Due to non-compliance
Give 3 signs of beta thalassaemia major.
- Severe anaemia.
- Jaundice.
- Splenomegaly.
- Failure to thrive.