Hematology Flashcards
Anemia is defined as __________ or ___________
Low hemoglobin
Low hematocrit
Symptoms of anemia are a result of ____________
Decreased oxygen delivery to tissues
Core symptoms of all types of anemia
Fatigue Dyspnea on exertion Palpitations If severe: Syncope and chest pain
Types of macrocytic anemia (MCV > 100)
B12 Deficiency Folate Deficiency Alcoholism Hypothyroidism Liver disease
Types of microcytic anemia (MCV < 80)
Iron deficiency
Thalassemia
Anemia of chronic dz
Sideroblastic Anemia
Types of normocytic anemia (MCV 80-100)
Blood loss
Hemolysis
Anemia of chronic dz
How does a pt with vitamin B12 deficiency present?
Neurological symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy most common
Lab values for vitamin B12 deficiency
Low B12 level
High MMA
May also see: elevated iron, indirect bilirubin, and LDH
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be secondary to medication, such as:
Metformin
PPIs
Cimetidine
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 replacement
IM preferred if severe neurological problems
Treatment for folate deficiency
Folic acid
A patient with iron deficiency will present with:
Blood loss
GI or menses
Lab values for iron deficiency
Low serum iron Low ferritin High iron binding capacity High RDW Elevated platelet count
Treatment for iron deficiency
Always look for a cause!
Ferrous sulfate
Complications of ferrous sulfate
Can turn stools black but will have negative guaiac stools
Thalassemia is characterized by hemoglobin having reduced __________
Alpha or beta chains
Thalassemia will have ___________ or ______________ on peripheral smeare
Target cells
Tear-drop shaped cells
Beta thalassemia is diagnosed with _____________
Electrophoresis
Treatment for beta thalassemia
Transfusions
Iron chelation
Lab values for anemia of chronic disease
Low serum iron, low iron binding capacity, normal ferritin
Sideroblastic anemia may be due to (4):
- alcohol
- INH (isoniazid)
- copper deficiency
- zinc toxicity
Most common cause of hemolysis normocytic anemia
sickle cell disease
Ultimate complications of anemia
Arrhythmias
MI
CHF
Malignancy of lymphoid stem cells in bone marrow, migrating to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and other organs
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
Most common childhood malignancy, peaking between ages 3-7 y/o
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
Children with ____________ have increased rates of ALL
Down syndrome
Signs/Symptoms of ALL:
- Pancytopenia symptoms: fever, fatigue, lethargy. Bone pain
- CNS symptoms: HA, neck stiffness, visual changes, vomiting
Physical exam with ALL:
Pallor, fatigue, petechiae, bruising, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, +/- mediastinal mass
Diagnosis of ALL
Bone marrow - hypercellular with > 20% blasts, anemia, thrombocytopenia
Management of ALL
Oral chemo (>90% remission) Stem cell transplant if relapse
B cell clonal malignancy
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Most common leukemia in adults overall
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Signs/Symptoms of CLL
Most are asymptomatic (find leukocytosis incidentally)
Fatigue, DOE, increased infxns
Physical exam with CLL
Painful lymphadenopathy
Hepatosplenomegaly
Diagnosis of CLL
- Peripheral smear - lymphocytes with smudge cells (fragile B cells)
- Pancytopenia - thrombocytopenia, anemia
Management of CLL
Observation if indolent
Chemo if symptomatic or progressive
Allogeneic stem cell transplant is curative. Poorer prognosis.
Most common acute form of leukemia in adults
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)