Cellular Regulation - Leukemia System Disorder

Flashcards covering the pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, safety precautions, and complications of leukemia based on the provided lecture notes.

Leukemia

A malignant disorder of the blood-forming tissues, especially the bone marrow, in which abnormal white blood cells or their precursors multiply uncontrollably and crowd out normal blood-cell production.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

A major type of leukemia associated with specific risk factors such as smoking and occupational exposure to chemicals like benzene.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

A major type of leukemia commonly treated using targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Leukemia ABC Memory Trick

A memory mnemonic where A stands for Anemia (low RBCs), B stands for Bleeding (low platelets), and C stands for Compromised immunity (low functional WBCs).

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

The central diagnostic procedure used to establish, confirm, and classify leukemia in the blood-forming tissues.

Flow Cytometry

A diagnostic test utilized in leukemia evaluation to identify the specific cell lineage.

Cytogenetic and Molecular Testing

Diagnostic testing performed to identify chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, classify the leukemia subtype, and guide targeted treatment.

Lumbar Puncture

A diagnostic procedure performed in selected leukemia patients to assess central nervous system (CNS) involvement.

Neutropenic Fever

A fever in a significantly neutropenic patient receiving treatment, which constitutes an oncologic emergency and potential life-threatening infection requiring immediate medical intervention.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

An oncologic complication caused by the rapid destruction of many leukemia cells, characterized by high potassium ($\uparrow \text{K}^+$), high uric acid ($\uparrow \text{uric acid}$), high phosphate ($\uparrow \text{phosphate}$), low calcium ($\downarrow \text{Ca}^{2+}$), dysrhythmias, seizures, and acute kidney failure.

Anemia in Leukemia

A reduction in RBCs due to bone marrow crowding, presenting as fatigue, weakness, pallor, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and decreased activity tolerance.

Thrombocytopenia in Leukemia

A deficiency of platelets caused by bone marrow crowding, resulting in clinical signs such as petechiae, bruising, bleeding gums, epistaxis, hematuria, and GI bleeding.

Bleeding Precautions

Safety interventions implemented for low platelet counts, including avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures, avoiding IM injections, using a soft toothbrush, avoiding rectal procedures/temperatures, avoiding aspirin/NSAIDs, and applying prolonged pressure after venipuncture.

Infection Precautions

Safety interventions implemented for low WBC or neutrophil counts, including strict hand hygiene, avoiding sick contacts, practicing safe food handling, and avoiding fresh flowers or plants if required by protocol.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

A class of targeted therapy medications used specifically in the treatment regimen of many patients diagnosed with CML.