Paediatric Haematology Flashcards
1
Q
Describe white blood cells in children
A
- Similar numbers to adults
- Higher lymphocyte counts
- IgG cross placenta
- IgA,IgD,IgE,IgG,IgM in breast milk= passive immunity
- Start producing antibodies at 2-3mnths
2
Q
Describe red blood cells in children
A
- Higher haematocrit
- Larger red blood cells than adults
- Different red cell structure & metabolism to adults
- Haemoglobin switching
3
Q
Describe platelets in children
A
- larger than adults but become same size at birth
- Hyperresponsive to vWF
- Hyporesponsive to certain agonists
4
Q
Describe haemostasis in children
A
- Present but imperfect
- Coagulation proteins don’t cross placenta effectively
- Only fibrinogen FV, FVIII, FXIII normal at birth
5
Q
What factors are vitamin K dependant?
A
- Protein S & C
- FII
- FVII
- FIX
- FX
6
Q
What are causes of anaemia in children?
A
- Congenital: Blood loss (twin to twin transfusion, fetomaternal haemorrhage), Peripheral destruction Bone marrow infiltration & failure syndromes, Haemoglobin synthesis problem: haemoglobinopathy (sickle cell disease, thalassaemia)
- Acquired: bone marrow failure & infiltration, blood loss, peripheral destruction (haemolysis)
7
Q
What is peripheral destruction?
A
- Rh/ABO incompatibility
- Membrane defect: hereditary spheroctosis
- Enzyme defect
- Infection
8
Q
What bleeding & bruising problems are there?
A
- Congenital: Platelet problems, Clotting factor problems, Connective tissue disorders
- Acquired: trauma, tumour, drug related, bone marrow failure, immune disorders, infection
