Hematology Flashcards
What are the “B symptoms” associated with Lymphoma?
Fever
Weight Loss
Night Sweats
(These indicate microscopic mets)
What is a common complication seen in patients with thalassemia major having recurrent transfusions?
Hemochromatosis
How is Thalassemia Major Transfusion-related Iron overload treated?
Deferroximine
Note: Phlebotomy would be counterproductive so cannot do it!
What is the next best step in managing a pt over 50yrs old with microcytic anemia and Negative Stool Guaiac and/or Negative Iron studies ?
Colonoscopy
What is the most common cause of Sideroblastic anemia?
Alcohol
Note: INH, Pb are other causes
Which Microcytic anemia is most likely to be associated with abnormal peripheral smear?
Thalassemia -target cells
Which type of microcytic anemia is most likely to have increased RDW?
Iron-deficiency Anemia
Which microcytic anemia is associated with low Ferritin?
Iron-deficiency Anemia
Note: Ferritin is also an acute phase reactant
What distinguishing test can be used to dx Fe-deficiency anemia?
TIBC-it will be High (b/c there are a lot of binding sites available for carrying iron when iron levels are low)
What is the most accurate test to dx iron-deficiency anemia?
Bone marrow Biopsy
Which microcytic anemia will have a high serum iron?
Sideroblastic Anemia
What is the most accurate test for sideroblastic anemia?
Prussian Blue Stain
see ringed-sideroblasts: iron deposits accumulated in mitochondria of RBC’s
T/F:
Iron studies are abnormal in all forms of thalassemia?
False:
All Thalassemias have normal iron studies.
What form of Thalassemia has a high Reticulocyte count?
Alpha thalassemia with 3 gene deletion. (Beta 4 tetrad HB formation)
What is the best initial test in patient with alcohol-induced macrocytic anemia?
Peripheral Smear (to check for hypersegmented neutrophils)
What is the most common neurological finding associated with B12 deficiency?
Peripheral Neuropathy
Note: Any/all types of neurological symptoms can manifest from B12 deficiency
What is the distinguishing feature of Folate deficiency anemia?
No neurological Symptoms/findings
What are some causes of Folate deficiency other than decreased intake?
Psoriasis (or other desquamating skin conditions)
Pregnancy
Sickle Cell Disease
All these represent very high cell turnover states
If you suspect B12 deficiency and pt has normal B12 levels what is next best step in management?
Methylmalonic Acid Level
It will be High in B12 deficiency but not folate deficiency
What metabolite is elevated in both folate and B12 deficiency?
Homocysteine
What is next best test once B12 or methylmalonic acid levels are determined?
Anti-Intrinsic Factor Ab’s and
Anti-Parietal Cell Ab’s
(these dx pernicious anemia)
What are common lab findings associated with Intravascular hemolysis?
Hemoglobinuria (toxic to cells)
Low Haptoglobin
Note: Unconjugated Bilirubin CANNOT filter through glomerular apparatus, it is INSOLUBLE. So dark urine is NOT due to Bbilirubin.
What are two renal complications of direct Hb exposure?
Renal Failure/Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN)
What is the best initial test to dx sickle cell disease?
Peripheral Smear
What are the clinical manifestations of Sickle Cell trait?
Hematuria and Isosthenuria
What is the next best step in management in a pt with SCD with fever or elevated WBC?
Empiric Antibiotics
DO NOT WAIT FOR CULTURE RESULT
What is the etiology of a sudden drop in HCT in a pt with SCD?
Parvovirus B19 causing Aplastic Crisis
What is the next step in managing a pt. with SCD who develops a sudden drop in HCT?
Serum Parvovirus B19 PCR
Is PCR not available then do IgM anti-parvovirus Ab
What is the best treatment for SCD pt presenting with vision changes, CNS/stroke sx’s, acute chest syndrome, priaprism?
Exchange transfusion (Goal is to decrease HbS by 30-40%)
What preventative measures should be given to all patients with SCD?
Hydroxyurea
Folate replacement
Pneumococcal Vaccine
What drugs are associated with Autoimmune Hemolysis?
Penicillin
Alpha-methyldopa
Quinine/quinidine
Sulfa Drugs
What is the best initial treatment for Autoimmune Hemolysis?
Steroids (Prednisone)
What is the next best step in treatment for pt with Autoimmune Hemolysis presenting with recurrent hemolytic episodes?
Splenectomy
remove sight of extravascular RBC destruction. anti-RBC Ab’s will be present but the cells will not be destroyed
What two conditions are associated with spherocytosis?
Hereditary Spherocytosis
Autoimmune Hemolysis
What finding on CBC is associated with HS?
Elevated MCHC
What is the most accurate test for dx’ing HS?
Osmotic Fragility Test
What is the most accurate test for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria?
CD-55 and CD-59 antibody (serum)
What is best initial treatment for PNH?
Steroids
For transfusion dependent pts, what is best treatment?
Eculizumab (inhibits C-5, preventing complement activation)