Module C: Hematopoietic Drugs

Question 1

Hematopoiesis (Erythropoiesis)

Answer 1

the process by which blood cells are replaced

Question 2

Anemia

Answer 2

a subnormal concentration of erythrocytes or hemoglobin in blood; can result from inadequate erythropoiesis, blood loss, or accelerated hemolysis

Question 3

3 Main Classifications of Hematopoietic Drugs

Answer 3

1-minerals (iron)
2-vitamins (folic acid and B12)
3-hematopoietic growth factors (erythropoietin)

Question 4

Iron

Answer 4

• key mineral in production of hemoglobin, myoglobin and enzymes
• Hb levels important since they are main O2 transporters

Question 5

Ingested Iron pathway

Answer 5

• absorption from intestinal tract into blood, then bound to transferrin, transported to liver and bone marrow, stored as ferritin
• used to form new erythrocytes
• depletion of ferritin will lead to decreased erythropoiesis and lead to hypo chromic microcytic anemia

Question 6

Folic Acid

Answer 6

• plays critical role in cell proliferation and erythropoiesis
• cofactor in biochemical reaction involved in production of Hb; depletion can lead to megaloblastic anemia
• very important during pregnancy, should be supplemented before and after

Question 7

Vitamin B12

Answer 7

• cofactor in biochemical reaction involved in production of Hb; depletion can lead to megaloblastic anemia
• functions include growth, cell replication, hematopoiesis and myelin production
• absorption is dependent upon an intrinsic factor and if intrinsic factor is low, pernicious anemia occurs

Question 8

Hematopoietic growth factors

Answer 8

-large group of glycoproteins that regulate production of blood cells and include colony-stimulating factors and cytokines

Question 9

Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents

Answer 9

• erythropoietin secreted primarily by kidney and stimulates cell differentiation and proliferation
• ESAs stimulate erythropoiesis in pt. with anemia caused by CRF, cancer chemo, HIV therapy, lymphomas