Unit 2 - Diseases of blood, lymph, and endocrine systems Flashcards
Anemia of chronic disease
Compromised ability to produce red blood cells, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and some chronic inflammatory diseases
True or false: Inhaled corticosteroid drugs are the most common cause of Cushing Syndrome related to drugs.
False. Inhaled steroids usually do not bring on Cushing syndrome unless high doses are taken.
What is the cause of Cushing disease?
Abnormally high cortisol levels
What are the characteristic features of Cushing syndrome?
A moon face and a fatty hump between the shoulders
Drugs that can cause Cushing syndrome
Use of corticosteroids over an extended amount of time can lead to development of Cushing
syndrome. Oral and injectable corticosteroids are the main causes; inhaled steroids usually do
not bring on Cushing syndrome unless high doses are taken.
How is hemophylia categorized?
Hemophilia is categorized as A, B, and C, with A being the most mild form and C being the most
serious
Treatment for von Willebrand disease
Mild forms do not require treatment. Patients should avoid drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen that extend bleeding time.
More severe cases require medication to
control excessive bleeding. von Willebrand disease can cause menstrual bleeding to last longer than 7 days, contraceptives are often prescribed to control menstrual bleeding
Treatment for hemophilia
Clotting factor is infused into the blood stream to help prevent bleeding. The amount
depends on the severity of the condition
Why should patients with bleeding disorders wear medic alert bracelets?
Surgeries and serious injuries, like car accidents, can be especially dangerous to patients with
bleeding discords. For this reason, doctors recommend patients wear medical alert bracelets in
case of accident.
Complications of untreated hyperthyroidism
Eye problems: Graves’ disease can affect eye tissue, leading to red, swollen eyes;
bulging of the eyes; blurred or double vision; and/or sensitivity to light. Vision loss can
occur.
• Heart problems: Hyperthyroidism can seriously affect the heart, causing an abnormally
fast heart rate, atrial fibrillation, and possibly congestive heart failure. Treatment can
alleviate the symptoms.
• Osteoporosis: Extra thyroid hormone can interfere with the amount of calcium in the
bones.
• Skin redness and swelling: Graves’ dermopathy causes redness and swelling in the skins
and feet.
• Thyrotoxic crisis: When symptoms intensify suddenly, thyrotoxic crisis can result.
Symptoms become more acute, and a rapid pulse, fever, and possibly delirium can
result. Immediate medical attention is required.
Causes of iron deficiency anemia
Heavy
menstrual bleeding, cancer, ulcers, a polyp in the digestive system, or extended use of NSAIDs
can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
Causes of vitamin deficiency anemia
Folate or B12 deficiency
Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia is a rare, life- threatening form of anemia caused when the bone marrow is
unable to make red blood cells. Infections, autoimmune diseases, and drugs can cause aplastic
anemia.
Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemias can be inherited or can develop later in life. These anemias refer to the
condition whereby the body destroys red blood cells at a rate faster than the bone marrow can
produce.
Anemias Associated with Bone Marrow Disease
Conditions of the bone marrow like leukemia or myelodysplasia can reduce the bone marrow’s
ability to produce healthy red blood cells. Sometimes these conditions halt production entirely,
which is a life- threatening situation.
Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia resulting from defective hemoglobin where red
blood cells are formed in an abnormal, sickle shape. The blood cells die prematurely, causing a
continuous shortage of red blood cells. Sickle cell anemia is genetic condition most often found
in persons of African descent.
Diagnosis of anemia
A complete blood count (CBC) counts the number of blood cells within a sample of blood to
determine how many red blood cells are circulating in the body. Different forms of anemia
cause changes in the size, shape, and color of the red blood cells, so cells are examined for such
abnormalities. Other tests may be advised to find the underlying cause of the anemia, such as
polyps or bleeding ulcers that may be contributing to the condition. Sometimes samples of bone
marrow are tested.
Treatment of anemia
Changes in diet • Dietary supplements • Medications • Blood transfusions • Bone marrow transplant • Chemotherapy • Plasmapheresis In cases of inherited anemia, genetic counseling may be in order to discuss the risks of passing the condition on to offspring.
Polycythemia vera
Polycythemia vera occurs when the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. A rare
condition, polycythemia vera develops slowly, allowing the extra red blood cells to thicken the
blood.
What mutation is responsible for polycythemia vera?
JAK2. This mutation is likely not inherited
Most common age of onset and affected demographic for polycythemia vera
The condition generally does not occur until older adulthood and is more
common in adults over age 60. Polycythemia is more prevalent in men than in women and is
often associated with a family history of the condition.
Symptoms of polycythemia vera
Early disease causes no symptoms
Headache
• Dizziness
• Skin itchiness
• Skin redness
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulty, particularly when lying down
• Numbness, weakness, tingling, or burning of the hands, feet, arms, or legs
Fatigue
• Fullness or bloating in the left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
Complications associated with polycythemia vera
Blood clots: Thick blood flows slower than normal, so increased blood thickness coupled
with decreased blood flow can lead to blood clots. Blood clots are associated with
stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis.
• Splenomegaly: The increased number of blood cells causes the spleen to become
overtaxed, leading to an enlargement of the spleen.
• Skin problems: Itching, burning, and/or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet,
especially after sleeping in a warm bed or taking a warm shower are common. The skin
on the face may also appear red.
• Open sores: Particularly in the inside lining of the stomach, upper small intestines, or
esophagus
• Inflammation of the joints
• Other blood disorders: Polycythemia vera may lead to myelofibrosis (scar tissue
replaces bone marrow); myelodysplastic syndrome (stem cells don’t function properly
or mature correctly); or leukemia.
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic
syndrome (HHNS
A life-threatening condition that results when a diabetic patient’s blood glucose rises over 600 mg/dL
Blood test results that confirm a diagnosis of polycythemia vera
Increased number of red blood cells
• Elevated hematocrit measurements
• Elevated hemoglobin levels
• Low levels of erythropoietin (EPO)
Additional tests for polycythemia vera
A bone marrow aspiration or biopsy may be performed to collect a sample to test for
abnormally high levels of blood cells. Additional analysis of the bone marrow and blood may
reveal the gene mutation associated with the condition.
Treatment for polycythemia vera
Polycythemia vera is incurable, but must be managed to control the signs and symptoms and
prevent complications. Drawing blood from the veins reduces the amount of blood cells and
blood volume circulating in the body. This is known as phlebotomy. The severity of the condition
dictates how frequently phlebotomy is performed. Medications can also be prescribed to limit
the production of red blood cells and stimulate the immune system to rid the body of excess re d blood cells. Low- dose aspirin can help guard against blood clots, and antihistamines or
ultraviolet light therapy can reduce itching.
Moreover, stretching and exercise can help improve blood circulation throughout the body.
Tobacco causes the blood vessels to narrow and should be avoided. Moreover, poor circulation
causes sores to take longer to heal, which can lead to infection. The hands and feet are
particularly vulnerable.
Leukemia
Cancer of the blood- forming tissues, such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system
Acute leukemia
Abnormal blood cells are immature and multiply quickly
Chronic leukemia
Mature blood cells reproduce incorrectly and gradually build up over
time.