Alterations of Hematologic Function in Children

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to alterations of hematologic function in children.

Erythropoiesis

The process by which red blood cells are produced.

Fetal Hemoglobin (Hb F)

Form of hemoglobin found in fetuses, consisting of two alpha chains and two gamma chains, with a greater affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin.

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDFN)

An alloimmune condition where maternal blood and fetal blood are antigenically incompatible, leading to fetal anemia and hyperbilirubinemia.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

A condition resulting from insufficient iron, leading to reduced red blood cell production and causing symptoms like fatigue and weakness.

Sickle Cell Disease

An autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the presence of an abnormal hemoglobin (Hb S), leading to distorted red blood cells.

Thalassemias

Inherited blood disorders causing reduced synthesis of globin chains in hemoglobin, resulting in various anemias.

Von Willebrand Disease

A bleeding disorder caused by deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, which leads to reduced factor VIII activity.

Acquired Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

An autoimmune disorder where antibodies bind to platelets, causing their destruction and leading to bruising and bleeding.

Leukemia

The most common malignancy of childhood, characterized by the proliferation of abnormal white blood cells.

Hyperbilirubinemia

An elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, which can lead to jaundice, particularly in newborns.

Hydrops Fetalis

A severe, life-threatening condition in a fetus characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in fetal compartments.

Erythroblastosis Fetalis

A serious condition that results from maternal-fetal blood type incompatibility, leading to the destruction of fetal red blood cells.