Introduction to Haematology Flashcards
What are the components of blood?
Plasma
Red cells (erythrocytes)
White cells (leukocytes)
Platelets (thrombocytes)
What is the function of blood?
Transport (gases, nutrition, waste)
Maintenance of vascular integrity (prevention of leaks and blockages)
Protection from pathogens
What is erythropoietin?
Made in kidney in response to hypoxia
What is a reticulocyte count?
A measure of red cell production
What are the consequences of anaemia?
Poor gas transfer
Dyspnoea
Fatigue
What are the main causes for anaemia?
Deficiency in iron, folate, vitamin B12
Thalassaemia
Bleeding
Haemolysis
What is the function of neutrophils?
Ingest and destroy pathogens, especially bacteria and fungi
Where are lymphocytes produced?
Bone marrow
What is the normal haemoglobin range?
Male: 135-170 g/L
Female: 120-160 g/L
What is a normal platelet count range?
150-400 10^9/L
What is a normal WBC count?
4-10 10^9/L
What diagnostic tools can be used in haematology?
Full blood count Clotting times for clotting factors Bleeding times for platelets Chemical assays (Iron, B12, folate) Marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy Lymph node biopsy Imaging
What are the replacement treatments used in haematology?
Blood
Haematinics
Coagulation factors
Plasma exchange
What drugs are commonly used as treatment in haematology?
Cytotoxics Monoclonal antibodies Inhibitors of cellular proliferation Immunosuppressants Inhibitors of coagulation Inhibitors of fibrinolysis
What are some of the common causes of splenomegaly?
Infection Various leukaemias and lymphomas Myeloproliferative disorders Portal hypertension Haemolytic disorders Connective tissue disorders (SLE, Felty syndrome) Storage pool disorders
