WBC disorders Flashcards
Define leukopenia and list its causes.
Leukopenia is a reduction in white blood cell (WBC) count, increasing infection risk.
Causes include:
Radiation, shock
Autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies (e.g. HIV)
Chemotherapy, toxic drugs
Hematological conditions (e.g. anemia, leukemia)
Certain infections (e.g. HIV)
Define leukocytosis and list its causes.
Leukocytosis is an elevated WBC count, often a normal response to stress or infection.
Causes include:
Infections, trauma, surgery
Strenuous exercise, emotional stress
Pregnancy
Certain drugs or chemicals
Malignant or hematologic conditions
What are the four major types of leukemia and how do they differ?
ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia):
Rapid growth of immature lymphoid cells (blasts)
AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia):
Rapid growth of immature myeloid cells
CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia):
Slow accumulation of dysfunctional lymphocytes
CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia):
Slow buildup of dysfunctional myeloid cells
Describe the pathophysiology of leukemia.
Leukemia involves uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal WBCs in the bone marrow.
Acute forms involve blast cells (immature)
Chronic forms involve more differentiated but dysfunctional cells
This causes bone marrow overcrowding, leading to cytopenia (deficiency of RBCs, platelets, etc.)
Malignant cells may spread to other tissues/organs.
What are common signs and symptoms of leukemia?
Fatigue (due to anemia)
Frequent infections (due to dysfunctional WBCs)
Bruising/bleeding (due to low platelets)
Bone pain
Enlarged spleen or liver
Weight loss, night sweats (especially in acute cases)
Differentiate between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL):
Characterized by Reed-Sternberg cells
Spread is more orderly (node-to-node)
Often affects young adults
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL):
Lacks Reed-Sternberg cells
More sporadic spread across lymphoid tissues
Affects middle-aged and older adults, more common
What is the pathophysiology of lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes in the lymphatic system.
Genetic abnormalities → uncontrolled proliferation
Malignant cells crowd out normal immune cells
Reduces immune response and may affect organs
Most common cell types: B-cells, T-cells, NK cells
What is the pathophysiology of myeloma?
Myeloma is a cancer of plasma B-cells that form tumors in the bone marrow.
Abnormal plasma cells produce faulty antibodies (paraproteins)
Leads to:
Bone damage (osteoclast stimulation)
Suppressed blood cell production
Kidney damage (due to paraproteins)
What are signs and symptoms of lymphoma?
Painless lymphadenopathy (cervical, axillary, inguinal nodes)
B symptoms: fever, night sweats, weight loss
Fatigue, pruritis
Abdominal symptoms (due to organ involvement)
Chest pain/cough (mediastinal mass)
What are the signs and symptoms of myeloma?
Bone pain or fractures
Fatigue (due to anemia)
Recurrent infections
Hypercalcemia symptoms (e.g. nausea, confusion)
Kidney dysfunction
