Week 12 Haematology Flashcards
Describe the structure of platelets
-nucleus lacking cells (cell fragments)
-packed with granules that contain chemicals
-contains mitochondria and microtubules
-also contains many surface membrane surface receptors
function of platelets
participate in hemostasis by
forming a plug at a vessel defect
list the steps of haemostasis
vasoconstriction
primary haemostasis
coagulation
Outline an overview of hemostasis
-endothelial damage with exposed collagen fibres
-vasoconstriction
-circulating platelets (via vWF) adheres to the exposed collagen beginning the formation of platelet plug
-ADP and TXA2 are released promoting adhesion, activation and aggregation enhancing the plug
-prostacyclins and NO are released to prevent excess clotting for uninjured endothelium (confining the plug)
describe how the clot specifically forms
-prothrombin activator, activates prothrombin
-prothrombin (inactive) is converted into thrombin via vitamin K and factor 10
-thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin
-fibrin molecules adhere to the damaged vessel surface, forming a loose, netlike meshwork that traps blood cells,
including aggregating platelets, resulting is a clot
l
role of the mechanical barrier in platelet adhesion
anticoagulant - prevents platelets from binding to suboendothelial proteins
role of anti aggregation in platelet adhesion
anticoagulant- secretes small anti aggregation molecules that prevent clotting
role of expression in platelet adhesion
anticoagulant- expresses surface anticoagulant proteins
role of fibrinolysis in platelets adhesion
anticoagulant: enables the breakdown of blood clots
role of von willebrand factor in platelet adhesion
procoagulant: vWF promotes coagulation during infections or inflammation
role of glycoprotein 1b
GP1b complex binds von Willebrand factor, allowing platelet adhesion and platelet plug formation at sites of vascular injury
list the stages of platelet plug formation
adhesion
activation
aggregation
plug
describe adhesion phase of platelet plug formation
reversible adhesion to exposed ECM; certain receptors bind to certain subendothelial factors eg vWF
describe activation phase of platelet plug formation
platelet binding to collagen triggers platelet activation,
-resulting in a conformational shape change (protrusions to increase SA),
-granule secretion
-receptor activation
describe aggregation phase of platelet plug formation
GP2b/2a on platelets bind to fibrinogen irreversibly; fibrinogen acts as a molecular glue
describe plug phase of platelet plug formation
forms a plug of degranulated platelets, trapped by fibrinogen, with entrapped blood cells
what factors trigger platelet activation
ADP
Thromboxane A2
thrombin
role of ADP in platelet activation
secreted by activated platelets, activates itself and platelets in the vicinity
role of thromboxane A2 in platelet activation
TXA2 diffused out of activated platelets, activating itself and other platelets
role of thrombin in platelet activation
formed from the coagulation cascade, enables coagulation to occur
role of GP 1a/2a and GP 6
binds to collagen -> adhesion
role of GP 1b/5/9
bind to vWF–> adhesion
role of GP 2b/3a
bind to fibrinogen–> aggregation
Features (roles of molecules) in platelet aggregation
-Release reaction (ADP):Activated platelets release ADP, a signalling molecule that attracts more platelets to the injury site
-Thromboxane synthesis: Activated platelets also synthesise thromboxane, which further promotes platelet activation and aggregation.
-ADP and thromboxane receptors: Platelets have specific receptors for ADP and thromboxane, which, when bound, enhance platelet activation and aggregation
-GP 2b/3a: GP 2b/3a receptors on the platelet surface play a crucial role in platelet aggregation by binding to fibrinogen and other platelets.
-Fibrinogen: Fibrinogen is a plasma protein that bridges platelets via their GP2b/3a receptors, facilitating the
formation of stable platelet aggregates.
brief mechanism of COX inhibitor
blocks cyclooxygenase enzymes 1,2 to reduce the synthesise of prostaglandins, which play a key role in inflammation and pain
brief mechanism for ADP receptor antagonist
Blocks adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptors on platelets, preventing platelet activation and aggregation.
brief mechanism for phosphodiesterase inhibitor
inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes to increase cyclic AMP levels, leading to vasodilation and reduced platelet aggregation
brief mechanism for GP2b/GP3a inhibitor
Blocks the GP2b/3a receptors on platelets, preventing fibrinogen binding and
inhibiting platelet aggregation.
list the contraindications for anti platelet medications
active bleeding
thrombocytopenia
bleeding disorders
why’s active bleeding a contradiction for anti platelets meds
Contraindicated in individuals with ongoing, uncontrolled bleeding as antiplatelet
drugs may exacerbate the haemorrhage.
why’s thrombocytopenia a contraindication for anti platelet medication
Contraindicated in patients with low platelet counts, as further reducing platelet function can increase the risk of bleeding
why are bleeding disorders a contraindication for anti platelet medication
Contraindicated in those with known bleeding disorders, as antiplatelet drugs may
worsen their condition
what is a thrombus
A blood clot that forms and remains within a blood vessel.
what is an embolus
A dislodged or traveling mass, often a blood clot, that can obstruct a blood vessel in
a different location.
what is a thromboembolus
blood clot (thrombus) that has broken free and is carried though the bloodstream (embolus) potentially causing blockages in distant blood vessels
list the pathways for coagulation
intrinsic
extrinsic
common
describe the intrinsic pathway for coagulation
-EXPOSED COLLAGEN at surface of damaged vessel
-inactivated factor 12 is converted into active factor 12 when it is exposed to collagen
-active factor 11 is formed
-active factor 9 is formed via Ca2+ (factor 4)
-active factor 10 is formed via Ca2+ (factor4), PF3, factor 8
-prothrombin (factor 2) is converted into thrombin via Ca2+ (factor 4), PF3 and factor 5
-in addition to converting fibrinogen into fibrin, thrombin activates factor 13 to
stabilise the resultant fibrin mesh
-clot forms
what is the extrinsic pathway for coagulation
-TISSUE DAMAGE (blood leaks out of tissue)
-tissue thromboplastin (factor 3) produced
-tissue thromboplastin produces
factor 10 via Ca2+ (factor4), PF3, factor 8
-prothrombin (factor 2) is converted into thrombin via Ca2+ (factor 4), PF3 and factor 5
-in addition to
converting fibrinogen into fibrin, thrombin activates factor 13 to stabilise the resultant fibrin mesh
-clot forms
what is the common pathway for coagulation
active factor 10 contributes to the activation of fibrinogen to form fibrin
what additional factors are involved in the common pathway
1,2,5,10,13
mechanism of activated C protein
anticoagulant that inactivates coagulation factor 5a and 8a by cleaving them
mechanism of antithrombin
inhibits multiple coagulation factors, including factors 2a (thrombin), 9a and 10a and 11a
mechanism of vitamin K antagonist eg warfarin
interferes with the synthesis of vitamin-k dependent coagulation factors (2,7,9,10) and proteins c and s, decreasing clotting
mechanism for heparin
Enhances the activity of antithrombin, which inhibits multiple coagulation factors, including Factors 2a (thrombin), 9a,10a,11a,12a
mechanism for LMW heparin
Acts similarly to heparin, but it has a greater effect on Factor 10a and less on Factor 2a (thrombin).
mechanism for direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC)
inhibits specific coagulation factors directly. DOACs include:
-Factor 10a inhibitors
(e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban)
-direct thrombin (2a) inhibitors (e.g., dabigatran).
features of fibronlysis
-process by which body dissolves blood clots
-enzyme plasmin plays a key role in promoting fibrinolysis, cleaves fibrin, into soluble fragments thereby dissolving clots
-balanced process that involves delicate interplay between clot coagulation and fibronlysis
describe the role of tranexamic acid in inhibiting fibrinolysis
-TXA is an antifibrinolytic medication
-TXA works by blocking the enzymatic activity of plasmin, which is responsible for degrading fibrin, the protein
that forms the mesh-like structure of blood clots
-TXA exerts its inhibitory effect on plasmin by binding to the lysine-binding sites on plasminogen, preventing
the conversion of plasminogen to its active form, plasmin
-used in controlling bleeding in surgeries, trauma or medical conditions eg menorrhagia
what are the components of virchows triad
endothelial damage
blood stasis
hypercoagulabilty
what is endothelial damage in virchows triad
Injury to the inner lining of blood vessels
what is blood stasis in virchows triad
Slow or turbulent blood flow, which can promote clot formation.
what is hypercoagulabilty in virchows triad
Increased tendency of the blood to clot due to various factors, such as genetic predisposition or certain medical conditions.
list the inherited causes of hypercoagulopathy
-factor 5 leiden mutation
-activated protein C resistance
-protein c or s deficiency
-antithrombin deficiency
what is factor 5 Leiden mutation
A genetic mutation that makes it difficult for the body to deactivate factor 5, leading to excess clotting
what is activated protein c resistance
Reduced sensitivity to the anticoagulant effects of activated protein C, often due to the Factor V Leiden mutation.
what is protein c or s deficiency
Inherited deficiencies of natural anticoagulant proteins, Protein C or Protein S.
what is antithrombin defiency
Genetic deficiency of antithrombin, a protein that regulates blood clot formation.
list the inherited causes of hyper coagulability
thrombophillic conditions
list the acquired causes of hyper coagulability
-pregnancy
-hormone replacement therapy
-COVID 19
-long distance travel
-carcinoma
describe how pregnancy can cause hyper coagulability
Increased risk of clot formation due to changes in hormone levels, blood flow, and clotting factors during pregnancy.
describe how HRT can lead to hyper coagulability
Elevated risk of clots associated with estrogen-based hormone therapies,
particularly in postmenopausal women.
describe how COVID 19 can lead to hyper coagulation
Viral infection may lead to an inflammatory and prothrombotic state,
increasing the risk of blood clot formation
describe how long distance travel can lead to hyper coagulation
Prolonged sitting during travel or immobility can slow blood flow, leading to
deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
describe how carcinoma can cause hyper coagulation
cancer related hyper coagulability can be triggered by tumour cell interactions with blood components, cytokine release and treatment related factors
incidence of coagulopathies
-For inherited coagulopathies like haemophilia, the incidence is relatively low, occurring in approximately 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 male births for haemophilia A.
-Acquired coagulopathies may have a higher incidence in certain situations, such as during surgeries or trauma.
prevalence of coagulopathies
Haemophilia, an inherited coagulopathy, has a relatively low prevalence because it is a rare genetic condition,
affecting about 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 males for haemophilia A and less frequently for haemophilia B
list the risk factors for coagulopathies
increased age
sex
obesity
recent surgery
malignancy
pregnancy