Heme/Onc Exam 1 Cards Flashcards
Polycythemia
Increase in the total amount of Red Blood Cells, amount of Hb and RBC mass in circulation
Anemia
Reduction in the total number of red blood cells, Amount of Hb or RBC mass in circulation
Anisocytosis as defined by RDW
Variation in RBC size indicated by an RDW > 14.5
Poikilocytosis
Variation in RBC shape
Poikilocytosis
Variation in RBC shape
Polychromasia
Increase in blood reticulocyte count due to their premature release
Hypochromia
Central pallor greater than 1/3rd of the RBC
Microcytosis
Abnormally small RBCs
Macrocytosis
Abnormally large RBCs
Acanthocyte
Irregularly Spiculated RBC
Echinocyte
RBCs with short regular spicules such as in uremia
Spherocyte
RBC without central pallor
Spherocyte
RBC without central pallor
Ovalocyte
Elliptical RBC
Schistocyte
Fragmented bi or tri polar spiculated cell
Sickle cell
Bipolar spiculated RBC
Stomatocyte
Mouth like deformity
Target cell
RBC with concentric circles such as in thalassemia
Tear Drop
Unipolar spiculated RBC such as in myelofibrosis
Amount of blood in a healthy male/female
12 pints male, 9 pints female
Amount of blood in a healthy male/female
12 pints male, 9 pints female
5 Functions of Blood
Transport for Oxygen and nutrients
Blood Loss prevention
Immune response to fight infection
Carries waste to Kidney and Liver
Body temperature regulation
Lifespan of a RBC
120 days
5 types of WBCs
Neutrophil, Lymphocyte, Monocyte, Eosinophil, Basophil
Most abundant White Blood Cell
Neutrophill
What stimulates platelet production and where is it released from?
Thrombopoietin from the liver and kidney
Where are extra platelets stored
In the spleen
Platelet lifespan
7-10 days
Fishbone documentation for CBC from top clockwise
Hgb, PLT, HCT, WBC
Normal RBC range for Males and Females
4-6 x 10^6 for males
3.5-5 x 10^6 for females
Erythrocytosis
Increased RBCs
Erythrocytopenia
Decreased RBCs
Normal Hgb for males and females
14-17.5 for Males
12-16 for females
Equation for calculating hematocrit
(RBCxMCV)/10
Normal hct ranges for males and females
39-49% for males
35-45% for females
Equation for calculating hematocrit based on hemoglobin
Hgbx3
Mean corpuscular volume
Reflects the individual size of red blood cells
Normal MCV
80-100 fL
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
Weight of hemoglobin per RBC
Normal range for MCH
27-33 pg
Low, normal and high MCH
Hypochromia, normochromia, Hyperchromia
Calculation for MCH
(Hgb/RBC) x 10
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
Average hgb concentration per RBC
Normal MCHC level
31-36%
Equation for MCHC
Hgb/Hct
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
Measures percent of RBCs that fall outside of the normal distribution range
Normal RDW range
11.5-14.5
Normal platelet range
150-450 x 10^3 mcL
3 variables to adjust for in hematocrit
Age, Altitude, Ethnicity
Normal Mean Platelet Volume Range (MPV)
7.5-11.5
Relation of MPV and platelet production
Young platelets are larger than older platelets so a higher MPV indicates increase in the production of platelets
When can a peripheral blood smear be better than a machine blood count
When coagulation of a sample and clumping of platelets leads to false thrombocytopenia
4 Steps in erythropoiesis
Low oxygen delivery -> EPO stimulation -> RBC proliferation and maturation -> Reticulocyte release
Role of EPO in RBC maturation
Binds to proerythroblasts inducing cell maturation
Roles of folate and B12 in RBC maturation
Assist in proliferation of early to late erythroblasts
Role of Iron in RBC maturation
Assists in the accumulation of hemoglobin leading to the normoblast and then reticulocyte stages
3 defining characteristics of a reticulocyte
Not biconcave, Blue in color, May contain RNA
Lifespan of reticulocytes
Total of 4-5 days
3 days in Bone marrow
1-2 days in the blood
Normal reticulocyte count range
.5-1.5%
Technical definition of anemia
Reduction in one or more of the major RBC measurements Hgb, HCT, or RBC
Kinetic approach to anemia
Addresses the mechanism responsible for the fall in hemoglobin concentration
Morphologic approach to anemia
Categorizes anemias based on alterations in RBC characteristics and the reticulocyte response
3 mechanistic causes of anemia
Decreased RBC production
Increased RBC destruction
Blood Loss
Daily average RBC turnover
1% per day
5 common causes of reduced RBC production
Lack of nutrients
Bone marrow disorders
Bone marrow suppression
Low levels of trophic hormones
Acute/chronic inflammation
3 Causes of increased RBC destruction
Inherited hemolytic anemias
Acquired hemolytic anemias (ie. autoimmune)
Hypersplenism
4 types of blood loss
Gross blood loss
Occult blood loss
Iatrogenic blood loss
Underappreciated menstrual blood loss
Anemia is a _____________________ not a ____________________
Anemia is a symptom not a disease
How does blood loss compound anemia issues
Because blood loss leads to a lack of iron which makes it hard to then form replacement RBCs
Size of reticulocytes compared with normal RBCs
Reticulocytes are larger than normal RBCs
4 Causes of Macrocytic anemia
Folate or B12 deficiency, Drugs that interfere with nucleic acid synthesis, Abnormal RBC maturation, Alcohol abuse or liver disease
2 Causes of Microcytic anemia
Iron deficiency or Thalassemia
3 causes of normocytic anemia
CKD, Anemia of inflammation, Mild iatrogenic anemia (ie. too many blood draws
Symptoms of anemia are generally related to what?
Decrease in oxygen delivery to the tissues, and hypovolemia secondary to blood loss
Oxygen extraction compensation for anemia
Adequate when Hgb is greater than 8-9g/dL percent of O2 extracted from hemoglobin can rise from 25% to 60%
Heart compensation for anemia
How low can it go?
Increase in SV and HR adequate until Hgb falls below 5 g/dL
4 Questions to ask when presented with an anemic patient
Is the patient bleeding?
Is there evidence of RBC destruction?
Is there bone marrow destruction?
Is there a nutritional deficiency of Iron, Folate, or B12?
DD for new versus life-long anemia
New is likely acquired while life-long is more likely genetic
6 associated symptoms of anemia
Melena, Hematochezia, Menorrhagia, Renal failure, Rheumatoid arthritis, CHF
4 Skin signs that are relevant to anemia
Pallor, Jaundice, Petechiae, Bruising
2 non-blood sources of tarry stools`
Pepto Bismol and Iron supplements
4 places to check in an anemia related physical exam
Lymph nodes, Abdomen for Hepatosplenomegaly, Bony tenderness, Stool for occult blood
Two things that could make RBC and H&H low
Decreased RCM (Red Cell Mass) or Increased Plasma Volume
One thing that could make RBC and H&H elevated
Decreased plasma volume
Affect of blood loss on CBC readings - early vs. late stages
Does not show initially because equal amount of RBCs and plasma are lost, shows later when fluid is regained and dilutes blood
Problem with reticulocyte count in anemic patient
Lack of RBCs may falsely increase percentage of reticulocytes
Reticulocyte index calculation
%Reticulocytes x (Pt HCT/Normal HCT)
What does haptoglobin do?
Binds free hemoglobin that is released from RBCs
3 Markers of hemolytic anemia
Increased serum Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Increased unconjugated bilirubin, Decreased serum haptoglobin
Coombs test
Test for presence of antibodies of RBCs, a positive test indicates an autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Why is an automatic blood counting mechanism preffered?
A larger volume of blood can be sampled
3 Ways the body looses iron
Perspiration, Loss of epithelial cells, Menstruation
Distribution of iron in the body
65% in hemoglobin, 30% stored in the spleen or bone bone marrow, 4% in myoglobin
Normal serum iron values for Men and Women
65-175 mg/dL for men, 50-170 mg/dL for women
Normal percentage of bound transferrin
10-50%
Ferroportin, Transferin, Ferritin, Hepcidin functions
Ferroportin helps iron LEAVE cells, Transferrin transports Iron AROUND the body, Ferritin STORES iron in the body, Hepcidin BLOCKS ferroportin to decrease iron uptake
What 2 lab values make men or women anemic
Hemoglobin less than 12 for females and less than 13.6 for males
Hematocrit less than 36% for females and less than 41% for males
Intravascular hemolytic anemia
RBCs lyse within blood vessels
Consequences of intravascular hemolytic anemia (3)
Hgb is released into circulation decreasing haptoglobin, Total body iron decreases, Schistocytes form
Extravascular hemolytic anemia
RBCs are destroyed within the spleen and liver
Consequences of extravascular hemolytic anemia
Iron DOES NOT decrease, Sphereocytes are formed, Haptoglobin may not increase
Cause and epidemiology of Hereditary spherocytosis
Genetic defect that is often Autosomal dominant and results in the malformation of RBC proteins. Affects 1 in 5000 northern europeans
Pathology or hereditary spherocytosis
RBCs are round rather than biconcave, they become stuck in red pulp of the spleen and get destroyed
Presentation of hereditary spherocytosis
Jaundice, enlarged spleen, possible gallstones, RBCs with a lack of central pallor
Lab values for hereditary spherocytosis
H/H
Reticulocytes
MCHC
MCV
Haptoglobin
Peripheral smear
Coombs
H/H - Decreased
Reticulocytes - Increased
MCHC - May be elevated
MCV - Normal or Low
Haptoglobin - Normal or mildly decreased
Peripheral smear - Shows sphereocytes
Coombs - Negative
Transfusion recommendations for extravascular hemolytic anemias
NOT recommended unless anemia is very severe because it will lead to excessive iron in the body, EPO is a better option
3 Non definitive treatments for Hereditary spherocytosis
Folic acid, Transfusion or EPO for SEVERE cases
Definitive treatment for Hereditary Spherocytosis
Splenectomy preferably after 5 years of age or puberty in moderate cases
May observe if mild
Ant pneumococcal vaccination
Composition and abundance of the three hemoglobins
Hemoglobin A:
2 alphas 2 betas 97-99%
Hemoglobin A2:
2 alphas 2 deltas 1-3%
Hemoglobin F: - Fetal Hemoglobin
2 alphas 2 gammas less than 1%
Location and copies of the alpha globulin gene
Chromosome 16, 2 copies for 4 total genes
Location and copies of the beta globulin gene
Chromosome 11, 1 copy for 2 total genes
Cause of Alpha Thalassemia
Gene deletions result in reduced alpha chain synthesis
Pathology of alpha thalassemia (4)
Increase in small, pale RBCs, excess beta chains precipitate, RBC membranes are damaged, hemolysis occurs in the spleen and bone marrow
Common demographic for alpha thalassemia
Southeast Asian and Chinese descent, may be seen in mediterranean or African patients
The five degrees of alpha Thalassemia
4 working genes = Normal
3 working genes = Minima/Silent carrier, normal levels
2 working genes = Alpha thalassemia minor, HCT 28-40% MCV 60-75
1 working gene = Hemoglobin H disease, hemoglobin H is made of 4 beta chains and is barely useful HCT 22-32% MCV 60-70
0 working genes = Hydrops fetalis, die in utero late second to early third trimester
Alpha thalassemia lab findings
H/H
RBC
MCV
Reticulocytes
MCH
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Peripheral Smear
H/H - Normal or decreased
RBC - Increased
MCV - Markedly decreased
Reticulocytes - Normal or Increased
MCH - Decreased
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis - Normal in silent carriers and thalassemia minor, HbH bands with HbH disease
Peripheral Smear - Inclusion bodies in HbH disease, hypochromic, microcytic with target cells
Hemoglobin H disease smear presentation (3)
Hypochromic microcytic cells, Target cells, Poikilocytosis
Treatment for Alpha thalassemia Minima and Alpha thalassemia Minor
Genetic counseling only for Minima
Genetic counseling and possible transfusions or iron chelation in Minor
Treatment for Hemoglobin H disease
Two things to avoid
1 thing to monitor
And two potential treatments
Avoid iron and oxidative drugs, Monitor for iron overload and transfuse when necessary. May consider splenectomy in severe conditions
Treatment for hydrops fetalis
In utero transfusions are not recommended, Termination of pregnancy often recommended due to maternal morbidity
3 beta chain alleles
Beta - Normal production
Beta+ - reduced production
Beta0 - Absent production
Hb electrophoresis of beta thalassemia
Increased proportions of HbA2 and HbF
Demographics of beta thalassemia
Most common in Mediterranean descent patients may be seen in African or Asian patients as well
Pathology of beta thalassemia (4)
Many small pale RBCs (microcytic, hypochromic anemia), hemolysis in marrow spleen and liver, alpha chain inclusion bodies damaged erythroid precursors and surviving RBCs have a shortened lifespan
Intra and extra medullary fates of RBCs in beta thalassemia
Intra - Premature death via apoptosis
Extra - Shortened RBC survival
Genotypes for beta thalassemia minor
beta/beta+
beta/beta0
Needs of beta thalassemia minor
No transfusions needed
Hematocrit of beta thalassemia minor
28-40% 80-95% HbA 4-8%HbA2 1-5%HbF
Allele of beta thalassemia intermedia
beta+/beta+
Needs of beta thalassemia intermedia
Occasional blood transfusion
Hematocrit of beta thalassemia intermedia
Overall, A2, A, F
17-33% 0-30%HbA 0-10%HbA2 6-100% HbF
Alleles of severe beta thalassemia (major)
Beta0/beta+
beta0/beta0
Hematocrit of beta thalassemia major
may be less than 10%
Lab findings for beta thalassemia
H/H
RBC
MCV
Reticulocytes
MCH
Electrophoresis
H/H - decreased
RBC - increased
MCV - markedly decreased
Reticulocytes - normal or increased
MCH - decreased
Hemoglobin electrophoresis - Abnormal proportions (less HbA)
What would I observe in a beta thalassemia minor smear?
Hypochromic microcytic cells and target cells
What would I observe in a beta thalassemia intermedia smear?
Hypochromic microcytic cells and target cells, Poikilocytosis
What would I observe in a beta thalassemia major smear?
Hypochromic microcytic cells and target cells, Poikilocytosis, Nucleated RBCs
Facial phenotype of beta thalassemia
Chipmunk Facies
Treatment for beta thalassemia minor
Mostly just genetic counseling, monitor for iron overload
Treatment for beta thalassemia intermedia
Genetic counseling, transfusions or splenectomy may be needed. monitor for iron overload
Treatment of beta thalassemia major (4)
Monitor for iron overload and avoid iron supplements
Splenectomy of frequent transfusions
Luspatercept indicated fortransfusion dependant adults
Bone marrow transplant - definitive
MOA for Luspatercept
Promotes production of RBCs in beta thalassemia patients by interfering with TGF-beta signaling
Sickle cell and its cause
Autosomal recessive inherited disease
Hb-S composed of two alpha chains and 2 beta-s chains
Demographics of sickle cell anemia
1 in 400 black children in the US
Pathology of sickle cell disease
Polymerized HbS causes sickle shapes which gets stuck in capillaries causing ischemia and pain
Episodes can be triggered by various stressors like acidosis or anxiety
Hematocrit of sickle cell disease
20-30%
Lab findings for sickle cell disease
H/H
MCV
Reticulocytes
WBC
Electrophoresis
H/H - Normal with trait, low with anemia
MCV - normal
Reticulocytes - increased 10-25%
WBC - Elevated12000-15000
Electrophoresis - HbS band present
Peripheral smear findings for Sickle cell anemia (3)
Target cells, Sickled RBCs, Howell Jolly inclusion bodies
5 symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia
Poorly healing ulcers of LE, Sausage fingers and toes, Retinopathy, Splenomegaly, Cardiomegaly
Clinical manifestation of a sickle cell crisis
Sudden pain, hand/feet pain less than 18 months, long bone pain children/teens, vertebral pain adults, Fever and tenderness
Items of note in a sickle cell retinal exam
hemorrhages, white cotton spots, tortuous veins
Splenic size in sickle cell anemia
grows until about 3 years old and then shrivels
Onset of sickle cell anemia
about 6 months
3 suggestions for sickle cell treatment
Low impact exercise, Medicate ANY fever, avoid stress
Common medication for sickle cell anemia treatment
Hydroxyurea - increases HbF levels and suppresses immune system, teratogenic!
Sickle cell alternative to hydroxyurea
L-glutamine (pharm grade)
Other potential drug for sickle cell disease
Crizanlizumab - reduces interaction of RBCs with the endothelium also used in patients who cannot tolerate hydroxyurea
Definitive treatment for sickle cell anemia
Stem cell transplantation
HOP treatment for acute sickle cell crisis
Hydration, Oxygenation, Pain control
Splenic sequestration crisis
Disproportionate amount of blood sequestered in spleen, HgB drop of 2 g/dL below baseline
Inheritance/MOA of G6PD deficiency
X-linked recessive genetic defect resulting in a deficit of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme
Demographic for G6PD deficiency
Most common in African american males although it can also be seen in patients of Asian and mediterranean descent
Pathology of G6PD deficiency (how it works)
Makes RBCs especially vulnerable to oxidative stress causing Hb to denature and form precipitate (Heinz bodies). Cells are destroyed by the spleen or rupture spontaneously
Presentation of G6PD deficiency
Usually asymptomatic with episodes of hemolytic anemia, no splenomegaly and potential prolonged jaundice in newborns
3 major triggers for G6PD deficiency
Antibiotics (sulfas, quinolones, nitrofurantoin); Aspirin or Phenazopyridine; Food (FAVA BEANS, soy, red wine, blueberries)
Lab findings for G6PD deficiency
H/H
MCV
Reticulocytes
MCH
G6PD Assay
H/H - Normal between episodes; low during episodes
MCV - Normal
Reticulocytes - Increased during episodes
MCH - Normal
G6PD Assay - Decreased, may be normal during episodes
Presentation of G6PD patient during an episode - 5 symptoms
Malaise, Weakness, Abdominal or Lumbar pain, Jaundice, Dark urine
4 peripheral smear findings for G6PD deficiency
Bite cells, Blister cells, Polychromatophils/reticulocytes, Heinz bodies seen when stained
3 Preventative measures and 2 therapeutic measures for G6PD deficiency
Preventative:
Avoidance of oxidant drugs
Avoidance of trigger foods
Genetic counseling
Therapeutic measures:
Removal of offending agent
Folic acid supplementation
Presentation of autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Abrupt, rapid onset, life threatening anemia - may be confused with drug induced hemolytic anemia
Pathology of autoimmune hemolytic anemia
RBCs are tagged for destruction, become spherecytes in the spleen and are stuck. RBCs are also destroyed by Complement and MAC in the liver and intravascular setting
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia that happens at regular temperatures and is more common
Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia that is activated at colder temperatures, invloves cold agglutinins
Lab findings for Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
H/H
RBC
MCV
Reticulocytes
MCH
Platelets
H/H - Decreased (can drop fast)
RBC - Decreased
MCV - normal
Reticulocytes - increased
MCH - normal
Platelets - 10% have thrombocytopenia
Direct and Indirect Coomb’s test method and meaning
Direct - Reagent mixed with pt RBCs agglutination means that Ig and complement are on the RBC surface
Indirect - Pt serum is mixed with Type O or donor RBCs and reagent is added. Agglutination means that Ig is in the serum
2 findings on a peripheral smear for autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Marked microspherocytosis, Polychromatophils/reticulocytes
3 treatments for autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Immunosuppression - Prednisone 1-2 mg/kg/day, possible splenectomy
Treatment of comorbidities (ie. cold avoidance)
Transfusions depending on severity
Cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn or erythroblastis fetalis
Maternal IgG antigens attach to the surface of fetal RBCs caused by Placental abruption, maternal transfusion, pre existing maternal antibodies
Demographics for hemolytic disease of the new born
Rh- mother with Rh+ fetus, Most commonly ABO antibody issue, Most severe with Rh antibodies
Presentation of infant and mother in cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn
Newborn: Jaundice, Anemia, Positive direct coombs test, hepatosplenomegaly, Edema, Heart failure
Mother: Positive indirect coombs test
Before, After, and Preventative Care for Hemolytic disease of the newborn
Before:
Intrauterine fetal transfusion
Early induction of labor
Maternal Plasma exchange
After:
Transfusion
Supportive care
Prevantative
RhoGAM prevents Rh+/- immune response
What does RhoGAM do
Prevents Rh antibody formation, give it just after birth of Rh+ baby to Rh- mother
Cause of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Acquired genetic defect leads to lysis of RBCs, deficit in complement regulating cell membrane proteins CD55 and CD59
Demographics of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Most common in young adults
Can occur in patients of any age, equal in both genders and no evidence of heritability
Pathology of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
RBCs are vulnerable to lysis by complement, MAC formation causes RBC destruction, free hemoglobin depletes nitric oxide
Presentation of Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Episodic, heavier in the AM because of nightly drop in blood pH, venous constriction including ED and esophageal spasms, s/s of thrombosis
Life expectancy for significant Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
10-15 years
2 diagnostic tests for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Urine hemosiderin and Flow cytometry
Labs for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
everything decreased except for possibly reticulocytes and MCV
Treatments for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Mild - Observation only
Severe or aplastic anemia - Stem cell transplant
Severe hemolysis - Eculizumab
Supportive care for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (3)
Transfusion, Iron replacement, COrticosteroids
Acute Blood Loss Anemia
From external or internal hemorrhages trauma, GI bleed, etc
Chronic blood loss anemia
Anemia due to depletion of iron stores
3 Stages of blood loss anemia
Hypovolemia (CBC appears normal), Anemia (Hypovolemia is corrected and CBC is abnormal), Recovery (transient reticulocytosis)
Treatment for blood loss anemia
Consider investigative studies to find bleed
Transfusion
Fluid replacement
Supplemental iron
Most common cause of aplastic anemia
Idiopathic autoimmune suppresion of hematopoiesis
Diseases the can cause Aplastic Anemia (3)
Lupus, Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, transfusion related graft versus host disease
4 toxins that can cause aplastic anemia
benzene, toluene, insecticides, mercury
Medications that cause aplastic anemia (3)
Chemo, anticonvulsants, Sulfa drugs
Infections that cause Aplastic anemia (4)
hepatitis, Epstein barr, cytomegalovirus, Parvovirus B19
2 Other factors that can cause Aplastic anemia
radiation exposure, pregnancy
Presentation of aplastic anemia
Infections from decreased WBCs
Anemia from decreased RBCs
Bruising, bleeding, purpura/petechiae from decreased platelets
No hepato or splenomegaly
Labs of aplastic anemia
WBC
Platelets
Reticulocytes
MCV
MCH
WBC - decreased
Platelets - decreased
Reticulocytes - decreased or absent
MCV - normal or increased
MCH - normal
First line aplastic anemia treatment
Remove underlying factors
3 pharmacotherapies for aplastic anemia
Multilineage - Eltrombopag - Boosts all three
Erythropoietic - Epoetin, darbepoetin
Myeloid - Filgrastin, sargramostim
2 treatments for severe aplastic anemia
Bone marrow transplant or immunosuppression