Haematology Reviewed Flashcards
Describe the process of differentiation.
One cell changes into a different cell with a different function, under the influence of certain growth factors such as cytokines.
What are hemopoietic malignancies?
They are usually considered clonal diseases/malignancies in which a single cell has undergone a gene mutation, and this cell proliferates uncontrollably and the apoptosis mechanism is corrupted.
What is Acute leukemia?
It is the uncontrolled proliferation of primitive blood cells (blasts).
Rapid and fast progressing.
more than 20% of blasts in the bone marrow.
Describe the pathogenesis of Acute leukemia.
There is a failure in cell maturation- due to a gene mutation.
These cells proliferate- corrupt apoptosis- primitive hence they are useless.
Accumulation of these cells -decreases normal HSC, crowding out
This leads to bone marrow failure
Cytopenia
What is Chronic Leukemia?
The uncontrolled proliferation of mature/differentiated blood cells that cannot perform their functions.
it is an indolent neoplasm
Describe the concept of Hyperleukocytosis.
Hyperviscosity- Increase in the amount of WBC produced, or proteins, it is a medical emergency.
leukostasis
-pulmonary: cough and shortness of breath
-cerebral: unconsciousness, decrease perfusion. Cerebral infarcts or bleeding.
Describe the ways Acute Leukaemia can present.
Leukocytosis- raised wcc due to circulating blast
leukopenia- low wcc due to BM failure, without spill of blast.
What are the clinical features of Bone Marrow Failure?
Anaemia- due decrease in RBC production, and a decrease in perfusion of tissues.
Thrombocytopenia- Increased likelihood of bleeding and bruising
Neutropenia- greater risk of infection, due to low neutrophils, no pus, and Neutropenic fevers (38C), bacterial.
Describe the morphology of AML.
Large blasts
Cytoplasmic Granules
Auer Rods
Primitive nuclei
Describe the morphology of ALL.
Scanty cytoplasm
No cytoplasmic granules
No Auer Rods
Primitive Nuclei
