Hematology Flashcards
Three basic pathophysiological causes of anemia
- Decreased RBC production - bone marrow, renal failure, low B12 or folate
- RBC loss - hemorrhage, hemolysis
- Production of defective RBCs
Clinical definition of anemia
Hemoglobin less than 12 in women and 13 in men
Symptoms of anemia
fatigue, dizziness, tachycardia, pallor, orthostatic HTN, exertional dyspnea
What are reticulocytes?
immature RBCs
What is MVC measure?
volume of average RBC in sample
MCV of microcytic and macrocytic anemia?
Microcytosis = MCV less than 80 (small cells) Macrocytosis = MCV +100 (big cells)
How to determine blood cell morphology?
peripheral blood smear
What measures are included in CBC?
WBC, RBC, hematocrit, platelet count, retic count, MCV, RDW, MCHC
basophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil %s
What is the significance of low reticulocyte count?
means poor RBC production
seen in all microcytic anemias
Most common cause of microcytic anemia
iron deficiency
Causes of iron deficiency
GI bleeds (think NSAIDs) Decreased iron intake Decreased iron absorption
Signs of iron deficiency anemia
fatigue mouth ulcers palpitations pallor brittle nails angular cheilitis dysphagia pica
What is ferritin and transferrin?
Ferritin = iron stores
Transferrin = transport protein for iron or iron binding capacity
What lab is diagnostic of iron deficiency anemia?
plasma ferritin < 10 in women and < 30 in men
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia
ferrous sulfate 325 TID x 6 months
Side effects of iron supplementation
lots of GI issues
Epidemiology of alpha and beta thalassemia
alpha - Southeast Asia, Middle East, African
beta - Mediterranean
minor vs major thalassemia
Minor = gene inherited from one parent; few or no symptoms
Major = gene inherited from both parents
- Alpha major = Bart’s Hgb
Still born or death soon after birth (hydrops fetalis typical outcome)
- Beta major = Cooley’s anemia
Born without a problem, but develop severe anemia over the first year and typically don’t survive past 30 yo
Symptoms of thalassemia
bone issues, splenomegaly, jaundice, severe anemia, osteopenia, fatigue
How to definitively dx thalassemia
HgB electrophoresis
Treatment of thalassemia
Folic acid
Serial blood transfusions but watch for iron overload
Genetic counseling
Splenectomy
Basophilic stippling on peripheral blood smear seen in what 3 hematologic diseases?
beta thalassemia
lead poisoning and sideroblastic anemia
Diagnostic test of choice for sideroblastic anemia
Prussian blue staining of bone marrow - shows ringed sideroblasts
How can sideroblastic anemia be acquired?
alcoholism
lead poisoning
myelodysplasia
Heinz bodies seen in what anemia?
alpha thalassemia
G6PD deficiency anemia
What are Howell-Jolly bodies? in what diseases?
DNA remnants seen with macrocytic anemia or damaged spleen
B12 or folate deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, celiac disease
Hemolysis of macrocytic anemia can progress to ______ dysfuction.
spleen
Microcytic anemias
iron deficiency
thalassemia
lead poisoning
Macrocytic anemias
folic acid deficiency
B12 deficiency
Sickle cell
G6PD deficiency
hypersegmentation of PMN nuclei on peripheral blood smear =
folic acid or B12 deficiency
stocking glove paresthesias =
B12 deficiency or diabetic neuropathy
bite cells =
G6PD deficiency
Clinical presentation of folic acid deficiency
sore/swollen tongue
GI issues - diarrhea
mouth and peptic ulcers
anemia sx’s
Pathophysiology of pernicious anemia
inability of GI tract to absorb B12 due to missing transport protein called intrinsic factor
Causes of B12 deficiency
- Pernicious anemia (#1 cause)
- Vegan diet
- Bowel surgery
- Crohn’s disease
B12 absorbed where in body?
terminal ileum
Clinical presentation of B12 deficiency
neuro sx’s: stocking glove paresthesias, ataxia, dementia, depression
anemia sx’s
How is B12 deficiency differentiated from folic acid deficiency?
Neurologic sx’s
Low LDH
Low indirect bilirubin
- Low serum B12 is NOT diagnostic
Schilling test
Determines cause of B12 deficiency; pernicious anemia or terminal ileum disease (bacteria Crohns, sprue)
- IM B12 injection to saturate B12 receptors in ileum
- Patient given oral radioactive B12
Normal = B12 in urine; B12 binds to intrinsic factor and absorbed into bloodstream
Pernicious anemia = B12 in urine only if patient also given intrinsic factor
B12 deficiency treatment
Treat underlying cause if possible
Intramuscular B12
High dose of oral B12 will allow some to pass through small intestine by passive diffusion without intrinsic factor
Oral intrinsic factor may be given, but if patient has intrinsic factor antibodies this method will not be effective.
Neurological symptoms which are treated within the first 6 months do well. Starting treatment after 6 months of symptoms may result in permanent damage.
Etiology and Epidemiology of Sickle cell anemia
autosomal recessive
predominantly African American
What is a sickle cell crisis?
Life-threatening; acute painful episode due to ischemia somewhere in body
Increased risk associated with dehydration, acidosis, and hypoxemia
How do carriers of sickle cell trait present?
Asymptomatic unless under stress (dehydration, acidosis, hypoxia)
Sickle cell anemia makes patients at increased risk for what other conditions?
splenomegaly (pneumococcal infections), non-healing ulcers, strokes, retinopathies, osteomyelitis, necrosis of femoral head
Elevated retic count anemia
Sickle Cell G6PD deficiency (during hemolytic episode)
Definitive diagnosis method for Sickle cell anemia
electrophoresis - HbS in red blood cells
Sickle cell treatment
No specific treatment
Folic acid supplement and pneumococcal vaccination
Acute painful episode – fluids, pain meds, and oxygen
Exchange transfusion may be necessary in severe crisis
Drugs that increase risk of hemolytic episode
Antimalarials Sulfonamides Methylene blue Aspirin Fava beans Menthol
I came in to see my physician assistant because of…
Prolonged jaundice
Hemolytic crises secondary to illness, certain medications or foods.
G6PD deficiency anemia
Treatment of G6PD deficiency anemia
Supportive; episodes are self-limiting
Prevention is key
Inheritance of G6PD deficiency anemia
X-linked recessive
Signs of anemia + thrombocytopenia + decreased WBCs =
Normocytic anemia
Normocytic anemia treatment
Treatment of underlying disease Bone marrow transplant Immunosuppression Erythropoietin Blood transfusions
Define hemophilia
a clotting factor deficiency