Introduction To Haematology

Question 1

Granulocytes

Answer 1

Neutrophils
Eosinophils
Basophils

Question 2

Agranulocytes

Answer 2

Monocytes
Lymphocytes

Question 3

Neutrophils Role

Answer 3

Most abundant
Phagocytes
Fight bacterial + fungal infections

Question 4

Eosinophils Role

Answer 4

Paracytic infections

Question 5

Basophils Role

Answer 5

Responsible for allergies
Contain histamine granules, resulting in inflammation IgE mediated

Question 6

Monocytes Role

Answer 6

Mainly bacterial infections
Differentiate into macrophages

Question 7

Lymphocytes Role

Answer 7

Mainly viral infections
Smallest WBC
3 types: Natural Killer Cells, T cells, B cells

Question 8

Platelet Role

Answer 8

Anucleate cells formed in bone marrow
Disk shaped
Life span of 7-10 days

Question 9

Platelet receptors

Answer 9

Thromboxane A2
P2Y12
GPIIb/IIIa

Question 10

Thromboxane A2 Role

Answer 10

Synthesised in platelets via COX1
Induces platelet aggregation + vasoconstriction

Question 11

P2Y12 Role

Answer 11

Receptors on platelets
Amplifies platelet activation
Important for clopidogrel

Question 12

GP IIb/IIIa Role

Answer 12

Receptor for von Willebrand’s factor
vWF is a clotting factor essential for platelet adherence to vessels

Question 13

Causes of platelet dysfunction

Answer 13

Decreased production
Increased destruction
Reduced platelet function

Question 14

Diseases which cause decreased production of platelets

Answer 14

• Leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma
• Low B12/folate
• Liver diseases -> related to TPO
• Methotrexate
• HIV + TB

Question 15

Diseases which cause increased destruction of platelets

Answer 15

• Immune thrombocytopenia purpura
• Drug induced -> Heparin
• DIC
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Question 16

Diseases which cause reduced platelet function

Answer 16

• Congenital abnormality
• Aspirin
• Von Willebrand disease
• Uraemia (raised urea in blood)