Passmedicine Flashcards
What is multiple myeloma a neoplasm of?
Bone marrow plasma cells
What age group does multiple myeloma mostly affect?
60-70 year olds
What are the clinical features of MM?
Remember using mnemonic CRABBI -
C = Calcium - hypercalcaemia due to increased osteoclast activity
R = Renal - monoclonal production of Ig –> light chain deposition in renal tubules (presents as dehydration + increasing thirst), other causes of renal impairment - amyloidosis, nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis
A = anaemia (due to bone marrow crowding –> suppression of erythropoiesis) –> fatigue, pallor
B = bleeding (bone marrow crowding –> thrombocytopenia –> inc. risk bleeding/bruising)
B = bones (bone marrow infiltration by plasma cells + cytokine mediated osteoclast overactivity –> lytic bone lesions) –> pain + increased risk of fragility fractures
I = infection (a reduction in production of normal Ig –> susceptibility to infection)
Others - hyperviscosity
What is the most common type of non-hodgkins lymphoma in the UK?
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Is diffuse large B cell high grade or low grade and what does this mean?
It is high grade, i.e. aggressive
Who does Burkitt lymphoma tend to affect?
Immunocompromised or young patients
What is the typical presentation of follicular lymphoma?
It is relatively common but low grade and therefore very slow growing
How does cutaneous T cell lymphoma present?
With skin changes
Define lymphoma
Malignant proliferation of lymphocytes in lymph nodes/other organs
What are the two broad categories of lymphoma
Hodgkins
Non-hodgkins
What is Hodgkins lymphoma?
Specific type of lymphoma characterised by Reed-Sternberg cells
How can you further classify non-hodgkins lymphoma?
By whether it affects B or T cells
By whether it is high or low grade
True or false:
Hodgkins lymphoma is more common than non-hodgkins lymphoma
False
Who does non-hodgkins lymphoma tend to affect?
Older people (>75 especially) Slightly more common in men
What are risk factors for developing a non-hodgkins lymphoma?
Elderly Caucasian History of viral infections FH Chemical agents, e.g. pesticides, solvents Hx of chemo/radiotherapy Immunodeficiency (HIV, transplant, DM) Autoimmune dx (SLE, Sjogren's, coeliac dx)
What virus is associated with non-hodgkins lymphoma?
EBV
What are the symptoms of non-hodgkins lymphoma?
Painless lymphadenopathy (non-tender, rubbery, asymmetrical) Constitutional B symptoms (fever, wt loss, night sweat, lethargy) Extranodal disease (gastric - dyspepsia, dysphagia, wt loss, ab pain, bone marrow - pancytopenia, bone pain, lungs, skin, CNS (nerve palsies))
What clinical signs may indicate one of hodgkins or non-hodgkins lymphoma is more likely than the other?
Lymphadenopathy in HL can experience alcohol induced pain in the node
B symptoms typically occur earlier in HL
Extra-nodal disease more common in NHL
What are the signs of non-hodgkins lymphoma?
Wt loss
Lymphadenopathy (esp. cervical, axillary, inguinal)
Palpable abdominal mass - hepatomegaly, splenomegaly or LNs
Testicular mass
Fever
What is the diagnostic investigation of choice in non-hodgkins lymphoma?
Excisional node biopsy
What other investigations should you do in non-hodgkins lymphoma and why?
CT chest, abdo, pelvis (staging)
HIV test (risk factor)
FBC + blood film (check for normocytic anaemia which would rule out other haematological malignancy e.g. leukaemia)
ESR (prognostic indicator)
LDH (marker of cell turnover, prognostic indicator)
Others -
LFTs if liver mets suspected, PET CT or bone marrow biopsy to look for bone involvement, LP in neuro involvement)
What is the name of the staging system used in non-hodgkins lymphoma?
Ann Arbor
What is the Ann Arbor classification for staging non-hodgkins lymphoma?
Stage 1: 1 node affected
Stage 2: >1 node affected on same side of diaphragm
Stage 3: 1 node affected on either side of diaphragm
Stage 4: extranodal involvement, e.g. spleen, bone marrow, CNS
Stage combined with A/B
A = no B symptoms
B = B symptoms
What is the management of non-hodgkins lymphoma?
Depends on subtype
Involves watchful waiting, chemo or radio
Patients will get flu/pneumococcal vaccines
Those with neutropenia may req. prophylactic antibiotics
What are the possible complications of non-hodgkins lymphoma?
Bone marrow infiltration –> anaemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
SVC obstruction
Mets
Spinal cord compression
Complications related to Rx, e.g. SEs of chemo
What is the appearance of the neutrophils in a megaloblastic anaemia?
Hypersegmented neutrophils
What do you see on blood film in an intravascular haemolysis?
Schistocytes
What do you see on blood film in myelofibrosis?
Tear drop poikilocytes
What do you see on blood film in iron deficient anaemia?
Target cells
Pencil poikilocytes
What do you see on blood film in hyposplenism?
Target cells Howell-Jolly bodies Pappenheimer bodies Siderotic granules Acanthocytes
What test is most likely to confirm the diagnosis of megaloblastic anaemia?
Haematinics (B12 and folate)
What are the crises than can occur in sickle cell disease?
Thrombotic (painful crises) Sequestration Acute chest syndrome Aplastic Haemolytic
What are thrombotic crises? (sickle cell disease)
Aka. painful/vaso-occlusive crises
Precipitated by infection, dehydration deoxygenation
Infarcts occur in various organs + bones (AVN of hip, hand foot syndrome in children, lungs, spleen, brain)
What are sequestration crises? (sickle cell disease)
Sickling with organs, e.g. spleen/lungs causes pooling of blood and worsening of anaemia
What is acute chest syndrome? (sickle cell disease)
Dyspnoea, chest pain, pulmonary infiltrates, low pO2
What is an aplastic crisis? (sickle cell disease)
Caused by infection with parovirus
Sudden fall in Hb
What is a haemolytic crisis? (sickle cell disease)
Rare
Fall in Hb due to increased rate of haemolysis
In which ethnicity is G6PD deficiency most common?
Mediterranean, African
How is G6PD deficiency inherited?
X-linked recessive
What is the pathophysiology of G6PD deficiency?
Reduced G6PD –> reduced gluthathione –> increased red cell susceptibility to oxidative stress
What are the features of G6PD deficiency?
Neonatal jaundice
IV haemolysis
Gallstones
Splenomegaly
What can you see on blood films in G6PD deficiency?
Heinz bodies
Bite + blister cells
How do you diagnose G6PD deficiency?
G6PD enzyme assay
What drugs can cause haemolysis in G6PD deficiency?
Anti-malarials (primaquine)
Ciprofloxacin
Sulphonamides, sulphasalazine, SUs
How is hereditary spherocytosis inherited?
Autosomal dominant
What is the typical history of hereditary spherocytosis?
Neonatal jaundice
Chronic symptoms although haemolytic crises may be precipitated by infection
Gallstones
Splenomegaly
What do you see on blood film in hereditary spherocytosis?
Spherocytes
How do you diagnose hereditary spherocytosis?
Osmotic fragility tests
What investigations should you do in suspected MM and what will they show?
FBC - anaemia, thrombocytopenia
U+E - raised urea and creatinine
Bone profile - raised Ca
Serum/urine protein electrophoresis - raised concentrations of monoclonal IgA/IgG (in the urine they are known as Bence Jones Proteins)
What investigation is required to make a diagnosis of MM?
Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy
Aside from the initial investigations and the bone marrow aspiration to confirm the diagnosis of MM, what other investigation should be done?
Whole body MRI to survey the skeleton for bone lesions
What is a common x-ray finding in MM?
Rain-drop skull (due to numerous randomly placed dark spots due to bone lysis)
What 3 things define MM?
Monoclonal plasma cells in bone marrow >10%
Monoclonal protein within the serum/urine
Evidence of end organ damage, e.g. hypercalcaemia, elevated Cr, anaemia, lytic bone lesions/fractures
How is MM cured?
It cannot be cured - management aims to control symptoms and prolong life
For those suitable for autologous stem cell transplantation what is the induction therapy for MM?
Bortezomib and dexamethasone
For those unsuitable for autologous stem cell transplantation what is the induction therapy for MM?
Thalidomide and an alkylating agents and dexamethasone
What MM patients are typically suitable for autologous stem cell transplant?
Younger, healthier patients
What happen after MM patients are treated?
Monitored 3mnthly
Often go into remission for a long while
If an MM patient relapses after initial treatment what is the first line recommended treatment?
Bortezomib monotherapy
Some patients may also be suitable for a repeat autologous stem cell transplant
How is pain in MM treated?
Analgesia
How are pathological fractures in MM prevented/managed?
Zoledronic acid
What prophylaxis/vaccinations do MM patients recieve?
Flu vaccines
VTE prophylaxis
What are the major and minor criteria for diagnosing MM and how many do you need of each for a diagnosis?
MAJOR -
- Plasmacytoma (as demonstrated on biopsy)
- 30% plasma cells in bone marrow sample
- Elevated levels of M protein in blood/urine
MINOR -
- 10-30% plasma cells in bone marrow
- Minor elevations in level of M protein in blood/urine
- Osteolytic lesions
- Low levels of antibodies in blood
1 major + 1 minor or 3 minor in an individual with signs/symptoms of MM
What largely causes hypercalcaemia in MM?
Increased osteoclastic bone resorption caused by local cytokines released by myeloma cells
What complications may patients develop after a DVT (post-thrombotic syndrome)?
Venous outflow obstruction, venous insufficiency –> chronic venous HTN
What features may be seen in post-thrombotic syndrome?
Painful, heavy calves Pruritus Swelling Varicose veins Venous ulceration
What treatment may be used in post-thrombotic syndrome?
Compression stockings
Keeping the leg elevated
What are the classifications of blood production transfusion complications?
Immunological - acute haemolytic, non-haemolytic febrile, allergic/anaphylaxis
Infective
TRALI
TACO
Others - hyperkalaemia, iron overload, clotting abnormalities
What does acute haemolytic transfusion reaction result from?
Mismatch of blood group (ABO) –> massive intravascular haemolysis (usually due to RBC destruction by IgM type antibodies)
When do the symptoms of AHTR occur?
Minute after transfusion is started
What are symptoms of AHTR?
Fever Abdominal pain Chest pain Agitation Hypotension
What is the treatment of AHTR?
Immediate transfusion termination
Generous fluid resus with saline
What are complications of AHTR?
DIC, renal failure
What causes non-haemolytic febrile reactions?
White blood cell HLA antibodies
Often the result of sensitization by previous pregnancies or transfusions
How is non-haemolytic febrile reaction managed?
Paracetamol
When do symptoms of allergic/anaphylactic reactions to blood products begin?
Minutes after starting the transfusion
What are symptoms of allergic/anaphylactic reactions to blood products?
Urticaria –> anaphylaxis with hypotension, SoB, wheezing, stridor or angioedema
How should simple urticaria as a result of allergic reactions to blood products be treated?
Stop transfusion, antihistamine
After symptoms resolve, can continue transfusion
How should more severe allergic/anaphylactic reactions to blood products be treated?
Permanently discontinue transfusion
IM adrenaline
Supportive care
Consider antihistamines, corticosteroids, bronchodilators
What is TRALI?
Transfusion related acute lung injury
Defined as development of hypoxaemia/acute respiratory distress syndrome within 6 hours of transfusion
What are features of TRALI?
Hypoxia
Pulmonary infiltrates on CXR
Fever
Hypotension
What causes TACO (transfusion associated circulatory overload)?
Fluid overload –> pulmonaryoedema
What are features of TACO?
Features of pulmonary oedema + hypertension (key different from TRALI)
What virus may be transmitted by blood transfusion (rarely)?
vCJD
What steps have been taken to reduce the risk of vCJD being spread through blood products?
Leuodepletion (all white cells removed)
Plasma derivatives have been fractionated from imported FFP
Children/other group have imported FFP
Recipients of blood components cannot donate blood
What are causes of severe thrombocytopenia?
ITP
DIC
TTP
Haematological malignancy
What are causes of moderate thrombocytopenia?
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) Drug induced (e.g. quinine, diuretics, sulphonamides, aspirin, thiazides) Alcohol Liver disease Hypersplenism Viral infection (e.g. HIV, EBV, hepatitis) Pregnancy SLE/antiphospholipid syndrome Vit B12 deficiency
Why is thrombocytopenia in liver disease a common finding?
Splenomegaly (due to portal hypertension) –> larger SA for splenic sequestration of thrombocytes
Thrombopoietin deficiency as liver as damaged
In which haematological malignancy is the philadelphia chromosome present in more than 95% of patients?
CML
What is the philadelphia chromosome?
Translocation between the long arm of chromosome 9 and 22 (ABL proto-oncogene from chromo9 being fused with BCR gene from chromo22) –> BCR-ABL genes for a fusion protein which has tyrosine kinase activity in excess of normal
At what age does CML tend to present?
60-70 years
What are the typical features of CML?
Anaemia –> lethargy
Wt loss, sweating
Splenomegaly –> abdominal discomfort
Burkitt’s lymphoma is a neoplasm of what cells?
B cells
Is Burkitt’s lymphoma high or low grade?
High grade
What are the two forms of Burkitt’s lymphoma?
Endemic (African) form - usually involves maxilla and mandible
Sporadic form - abdominal tumours most common, more common in those with HIV
What gene translocation is Burkitt’s lymphoma associated with?
c-myc gene translocation (usually t(8:14)
What virus is strongly associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma?
EBV
What microscopic findings do you see in Burkitt’s lymphoma?
Starry sky appearance (lymphocyte sheets interspersed with macrophages containing dead apoptotic tumour cells)
How is Burkitt’s lymphoma managed?
Chemotherapy
What is a common complication of Burkitt’s lymphoma?
Tumour lysis syndrome
What drug may be given to those undergoing chemotherapy to prevent tumour lysis syndrome?
Rasburicase (recombinant urate oxidase (an enzyme which catalyses conversion of uric acid to allantoin)
What are complications of tumour lysis syndrome?
Hyperkalaemia Hyperphosphataemia Hypocalcaemia Hyperuricaemia Acute renal failure
What causes tumour lysis syndrome?
Cell breakdown following chemotherapy which leads to release of large amount of intracellular components, e.g. K, phosp, uric acid
What is the first line treatment for most individuals with a VTE?
DOACs
What score should be calculated if a patient is suspected of having had a DVT?
Two level DVT Wells score
What is the two level wells score?
INSERT TABLE FROM PASSMED!!
What wells score indicates DVT is unlikely?
1 point or less
What wells score indicates DVT is likely?
2+
If DVT is ‘likely’ then what action should follow?
Proximal leg vein USS within 4h
If +ve –> diagnose DVT + start anticoagulants
If -ve –> D-dimer
If D-dimer + scan negative –> DVT unlikely
Scan -ve, d-dimer +ve –> stop interim therapeutic anticoagulation, repeat proximal leg vein USS in 6-8 days
If DVT is ‘likely’ and a proximal leg vein USS cannot be arranged what action should follow?
Give therapeutic anticoagulation in the interm (DOAC)
If DVT is ‘unlikely’ what action should follow?
D-dimer test within 4h (if not interim therapeutic anticoagulation)
If -ve –> DVT unlikely
If +ve –> proximal leg vein USS within 4h
What kinds of d-dimer tests do NICE recommend?
Point of care (finger prick) or lab based
What DOACs are offered first line for management of DVT?
Apixiban or rivaroxaban
If apixiban and rivaroxaban are CI for the treatment of DVT, what can be given?
LMWH, then followed by dagibatran or edoxaban or LMWH followed by vit K antagonist, e.g. warfarin
How is DVT in severe renal impairment managed?
LMWH, UF or LMWH followed by a VKA
How is DVT in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome managed?
LMWH followed by VKA
All patients with DVT should be anticoagulated for how long?
At least 3 months
What is the difference between a provoked and unprovoked DVT?
Provoked - obvious precipitating event, e.g. immobilisation after surgery (implied after this pt no longer at risk)
Unprovoked - absence of obvious precipitating event, i.e. possibility of unknown factors making patient at risk of further clots
When is anticoagulation stopped for provoked DVTs?
After initial 3 months
3-6m for those with cancer
When is anticoagulation stopped for unprovoked DVTs?
Typically continued for a further 3 months
What score can be used to help to assess the risk of bleeding in a patient following a DVT?
HAS-BLED
What patients are not offered thrombophilia screening after a DVT?
Those on lifelong warfarin as it won’t alter the management
What might you consider testing for in an unprovoked DVT/PE?
Antiphospholipid antibodies
Or hereditary thrombophilia in those who also have a first degree relative who has had a DVT/PE
What is polycythaemia vera?
Myeloproliferative disorder caused by clonal proliferation of marrow stem cell leading to an increase in red cell volume (often accompanied by overproduction of neutrophils and platelets)
What mutation is present in 95% of cases of polycythaemia vera?
JAK2
When does the incidence of polycythaemia vera peak?
60s
What are features of polycythaemia vera?
Hyperviscosity Pruritus, typically after a hot bath Splenomegaly Haemorrhage (secondary to abnormal platelet function) Plethoric appearance HTN in 1/3rd Low ESR
What tests should be performed in those suspected of having polycythaemia vera?
FBC/film (raised haematocrit, neutrophils, basophils and platelets in half of patients)
JAK2 mutation
Serum ferritin
Renal + liver function tests
In suspected polycythaemia vera:
If the JAK2 mutation is negative + there is no obvious secondary cause, what tests should be done?
Red cell mass Arterial O2 saturation Abdominal USS Serum erythropoietin Bone marrow aspiration and trephine Cytogenetic analysis Erythroid bursting forming unit culture
What is the criteria for the diagnosis of polycythaemia vera (JAK2+ve)?
Req both criteria:
A1 - high haematocrit (>0.52 in men, >0.48 in women) or raised red cell mass (>25% above predicted)
A2 - mutation in JAK2
What is the criteria for the diagnosis of polycythaemia vera (JAK2-ve)?
Req A1+A2+A3 + either another A or two B criteria
A1 - raised RC mass (>25% above predicted) or haematocrit >0.6 in men, >0.56 in women
A2 - absence of mutation in JAK2
A3 - no cause of secondary erythrocytosis
A4 - palpable splenomegaly
A5 - presence of an acquired genetic abnormality (excluding BCR-ABL) in haematopoietic cells
B1 - thrombocytosis
B2 - neutrophil leucocytosis
B3 - radiological evidence of splenomegaly
B4 - endogenous erythroid colonies or low serum erythropoietin
What things may cause a relative polycythaeia?
Dehydration and diuretics
What complications are associated with CLL?
Anaemia
Hypogammaglobulinaemia –> recurrent infections
Warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (10-15%)
Transformation to high grade lymphoma
What is transformation of CLL to high grade lymphoma known as?
Richter’s transformation
What happens in Richter’s transformation?
Leukaemia cells enter the LNs and change into high grade, fast growing non-hodgkins lymphoma + patients suddenly become v. unwell
What symptoms may indicate a Richter’s transformation has taken place?
LN swelling Fever without infection Wt loss Night sweats Nausea Ab pain
What is the most common inherited bleeding disorder?
Von Willebrand’s diease
How are the majority of cases of Von Willebrand’s disease inherited?
AD
How does Von Willebrand’s disease present?
As a platelet disorder, i.e. epistaxis, menorrhagia are common
What is von willebrand factor?
Large glycoprotein which forms massive multimers and promotes platelet adhesion to damaged endothelium
Carrier molecule for factor VIII
What are the types of Von Willebrand’s disease?
Type 1 - partial reduction in vWF (80% of patients)
Type 2 - abnormal form of vWF
Type 3 - total lack of vWF (AR)
What will investigations show in Von Willebrand’s disease?
Prolonged bleeding time
APTT prolonged
Factor VIII may be moderately reduced
Defective platelet aggregation with ristocetin
What treatments are available for Von Willebrand’s disease?
Tranexamic acid for mild bleeding
Desmopressin - raises levels of Von Willebrand’s factor by inducing its release from Weibel-Palade bodies in endothelial cells
Factor VIII concentrate
Transmission of which type of infection is most likely to occur following a platelet transfusion and why?
Bacterial as platelet concentrations are stored at room temp so there is more of a risk of bacterial proliferation
What is Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Malignant proliferation of lymphocytes characterised by the presence of the Reed-Sternberg cell
What age group is Hodgkin’s lymphoma most common in?
Most common in 3rd and 7th decade
What are the histological classifications of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Nodular sclerosing
Mixed cellularity
Lymphocyte predominant
Lymphocyte depleted
What is the most common type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Nodular slcerosing
What type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma has the worst prognosis?
Lymphocyte depleted
What cells are associated with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Lacunar cells
What type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma has the best prognosis?
Lymphocyte predominant
What kind of symptoms in Hodgkin’s lymphoma imply a poor prognosis?
B SYMPTOMS
Wt loss >10% in last 6 months
Fever >38C
Night sweats
What are poor prognostic factors in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Age >45 Stage IV disease Hb <10.5g/dl Lymphocyte count <600/ul or <8% Male Albumin <40g/l White blood count >15, 000/ul
What are indications for cryoprecipitate?
Massive haemorrhage
Uncontrolled bleeding due to haemophilia
What does cyroprecipitate contain?
Factor VIII
Fibrinogen
vWF
Factor XIII
What causes CLL?
Monoclonal proliferation of well differentiate lymphocytes which are almost always B cells
What is the commonest form of leukaemia in adults?
CLL
What are features of CLL?
Often none
Constitutional - anorexia, wt loss
Bleeding, infections
Lymphadenopathy more marked than CML
What are complications of CLL?
Anaemia
Hypogammglobulinaemia –> recurrent infections
Warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (10-15%)
Transformation to high grade lymphoma (Richter’s)
What investigations should be done for suspected CLL and what will they find?
Blood film - smudge cells (aka smear cells)
Immunophenotyping
What blood film finding is associated with MM?
Rouleaux formation
What are the 3 novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs)?
Dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban
What is the mechanism of action of dabigatran?
Direct thrombin inhibitor
What is the mechanism of action of rivaroxaban?
Direct factor Xa inhibitor
What is the mechanism of action of apixiban?
Direct factor Xa inhibitor
How are the NOACs excreted from the body?
Dabigatran - mostly renal
Rivaroxaban - mostly liver
Apixaban - mostly faecal
What are indications for NOACs?
Prevention of VTE following hip/knee surgery
Treatment of DVT/PE
Prevention of stroke in non-valvular AF (if prior stroke/TIA, age75+, HTN, DM, heart failure)
Should compression stockings be routinely offered to all those with DVT?
No
In which ethnicity is hereditary spherocytosis most common?
Northern European
What is hereditary spherocytosis?
AD defect of RBC cytoskeleton where the biconcave disc is replaced by a sphere spaced RBC –> reduced RBC survivial due to destruction by spleen
How does hereditary spherocytosis present?
FTT Jaundice, gallstones Splenomegaly Aplastic crisis precipitated by parovirus (severe anaemia, reduced retic count) Degree of haemolysis variable MCHC elevated
What is the investigation of choice for diagnosing hereditary spherocytosis?
Osmotic fragility test (if equivocal –> cyrohaemolyis test + EMA binding)
(But if someone has a FH of HS, typical clinical features + lab investigations (spherocytes, raised MCHC + increased retics) they do not req. additional tets
How is an acute haemolytic crisis in hereditary spherocytosis managed?
Supportive
Transfusion may be req.
What is the long term treatment of hereditary spherocytosis?
Folate replacement
Splenectomy
In which condition(s) do you see the following on blood film:
Target cells?
Sickle cell/thalassaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia
Hyposplenism
Liver disease
In which condition(s) do you see the following on blood film:
Tear drop poikilocytes?
Myelofibrosis