HAEMOTOLOGY Flashcards
What is polycythaemia?
Too many red blood cells or not enough plasma volume
What is ruba vera/ polycthaemia vera?
A JAK2 mutation causing increased red blood cell production as more sensitive to bone marrow cells
What can cause secondary polycythaemia?
Hypoxia, high altitudes, sixkle cell, tumours, kidney problems
What are the symptoms of polycythaemia?
Easy brusing and bleeding, itchy skin
How do we treat polycythaemia?
Blood letting, aspirin
Where does eryptosis occur?
The spleen, liver and bone marrow
Where are red blood cells made?
Bone marrow
Where are platelets derived from?
Megakaryocytes in bone marrow
What clotting factors are vitamin K dependant?
2,7,9 + 10
What is haemoglobin made off?
2 alpha and 2 beta chains
What are the 3 main causes of microcytic anaemia?
Iron deficiency
Thalassaemia
Chronic disease
What are the 3 main causes of normocytic anaemia?
Bleeding
Chronic disease
combined haematinic deficiency
What are signs of iron deficiency?
Koilonychia, angular atomatitis, atrophic glossitis and brittle hair and nails
What are the causes of macrocytic anaemia?
B12/folate deficiency
Alcohol excess
Metabolic disease e.g. hypothyroidism
What is the test for B12 deficiency?
Shilling test
What is the test for pernicious anaemia?
Intrinsic factor antibodies
What diseases can cause B12 deficiency?
Coeliac disease, Crohn’s, atrophic gastritis
What is DIC?
Cytokins activate the clotting cascades and fibrin deposition. Platelet consumption occurs leading to bleeding whilst organ failure occurs.
what can cause DIC?
Sepsis
Trauma
Pancreatitis
Malignancy
What is the treatment for DIC?
Treat the underlying cause
Maintain blood volume
Many transfusions
Activated protein C
What is ITP?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Ig G binds to platelets which are removed by the reticuloendothelial system
What is TTP?
Reduction of ADAMTS13 enzyme leading to spontaneous platelet aggregation in microvascular
What is the treatment for ITP or TTP?
Corticosteroids, IV Ig and anti D, remove spleen
What are signs of thrombocytopenia?
Purpura, epistaxis (nose bleed) and menorrhagia
What are the investigations for a DVT?
Ultrasound, d-dimer and venography
What is the treatment for a DVT?
Low molecular weight heparin, anti-coagulation
What is Virchow’s triad?
Stasis
Hypercoagulability
Endothelial damage
What is Myeloma?
An immunoglobulin overproduction from a mutation in bone marrow plasma cells
What are the signs and symptoms?
CRAB Hypercalcaemia Renal impairment Anaemia Lytic lesions and osteoporosis
What is seen on a blood film for myeloma?
Roleaux formation
What is seen on protein electrophoriesis for myeloma?
Monoclonal proteins