RBC and WBC Disorders, Stress Response, and Neurocognitive Pharmacology

Comprehensive flashcards covering hematologic disorders, their treatments, the physiological stress response, and pharmacological interventions for neurocognitive and psychiatric conditions.

Iron deficiency anemia

A condition characterized by decreased hemoglobin production, microcytic RBCs (low MCV), PICA, spoon nails, fatigue, glossitis, and dysphagia.

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)

A measure of the average volume of a red blood cell, with a normal range of $80-100\,fL$. Values below this range indicate small (microcytic) RBCs.

Pernicious anemia

A type of Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, often associated with gastric bypass or ileum issues.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

An anemia marked by increased MCV and neurological symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, and balance issues.

Folate deficiency

An impairment of DNA synthesis caused by alcoholism or pregnancy that leads to anemia and can mask underlying B12 deficiency, potentially increasing neurological damage.

Aplastic anemia

Bone marrow failure resulting in pancytopenia, which is a low level of all blood cells including RBCs (anemia), WBCs (infection risk), and platelets (bleeding risk).

Hemolytic anemia

Anemia caused by early RBC destruction, characterized by jaundice, hemoglobinuria (dark urine), increased reticulocytes, and low haptoglobin.

Pagophagia

A specific form of PICA characterized by a craving for ice.

Polycythemia vera

A primary form of polycythemia involving bone marrow cancer that leads to an excess of RBCs and an increased risk of thrombosis.

Epoetin alfa

A SUB-Q medication that mimics erythropoietin to stimulate RBC production; it is used for CKD, chemo patients, and HIV, but carries risks of tumor progression and thromboembolism if hemoglobin exceeds $10\,g/dL$.

Sickle cell disease

A disorder involving abnormal hemoglobin S where RBCs sickle in low $O_2$ conditions, impairing oxygen delivery.

Thalassemia

A disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin formation due to impaired globin production.

Leukemia

A WBC disorder where the bone marrow is filled with non-functional blasts ($60-100\%$), leading to anemia, infection, and bleeding.

Infectious mononucleosis

An infection caused by EBV, spread through saliva, characterized by lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and a risk of splenic rupture.

Multiple myeloma

A malignancy of plasma cells causing bone pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and kidney damage; diagnostic markers include M-protein and Bence-Jones protein in urine.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

A type of lymphoma characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and a predictable pattern of spread.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

A type of lymphoma involving extranodal sites and early, unpredictable spread; generally has a worse prognosis than Hodgkin's.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

The body's three-stage response to stress: 1. Alarm (fight or flight), 2. Resistance, and 3. Exhaustion (where homeostasis cannot be reached).

Allostasis

Short-term adaptation of the body to a stressor for survival.

Allostatic overload

A state of exhaustion resulting from chronic stress and long-term dysregulation, leading to stress-induced disease.

Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)

Stress hormones that cause lipolysis in extremities, lipogenesis in the face and trunk, increased amino acid levels, and immunosuppression.

Adrenal insufficiency

A condition resulting in hypotension, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia; acute crisis can occur if steroid treatment is abruptly withdrawn.

Fludrocortisone

A mineralocorticoid used for replacement therapy when there is an inability to maintain sodium and potassium levels despite adequate renal function.

Delirium

A sudden, fluctuating, and reversible state of altered mental status that can be hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive neurocognitive disorder characterized by acetylcholine deficits, neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques ($\beta$-amyloid protein), and neuronal atrophy.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

First-line antidepressants (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline) that inhibit serotonin reuptake; they take $4-8\,weeks$ for effect and carry a risk of serotonin syndrome.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Older antidepressants that block reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin; they are associated with cardiotoxicity, anticholinergic side effects, and risk of fatal overdose.

MAO Inhibitors (MAOI)

Antidepressants that increase neurotransmitter availability by inhibiting monoamine oxidase; they require a tyramine-free diet to avoid hypertensive crisis.

Benzodiazepines

Medications that enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA; they are used for GAD and panic disorder but can cause respiratory depression and have Flumazenil as an antidote.