Hematology Overview: Anemias, Hematopoiesis, and Blood Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts related to hematology, including mechanisms behind various anemias, blood disorders, and hematopoiesis.

Polycythemia

Overproduction of red blood cells (RBC).

Polycythemia Vera

A disorder caused by a mutation of JAK2 and the erythropoietin receptor remaining active.

Splenomegaly

Enlargement of the spleen, often a symptom of various blood disorders.

Phlebotomy

A treatment for polycythemia involving the removal of blood.

Hematopoiesis

The process of producing blood cells from pluripotent stem cells in the bone marrow.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates RBC production in response to hypoxia.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Macrocytic Anemias

Anemias characterized by larger than normal erythrocytes.

Microcytic Anemias

Anemias characterized by smaller than normal erythrocytes.

Normocytic-Normochromic Anemia

Anemia characterized by normal-sized red blood cells with normal hemoglobin content.

Pernicious Anemia

An anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The most common type of anemia, resulting from inadequate iron intake or blood loss.

Sideroblastic Anemia

Anemia characterized by the presence of ringed sideroblasts in the marrow.

Hemolytic Anemia

Anemia resulting from the destruction of red blood cells.

Aplastic Anemia

Anemia caused by the failure of the bone marrow to produce sufficient blood cells.

Thalassemia

An inherited blood disorder leading to reduced hemoglobin production.

Sickle Cell Disease

A genetic disorder where red blood cells assume a sickle shape, causing various complications.

Hepcidin

A hormone that regulates iron homeostasis in the body.

Folate Deficiency

Anemia due to insufficient folate, crucial for RNA and DNA synthesis.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Anemia caused by autoantibodies that target one's own red blood cells.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A condition that can contribute to chronic inflammation and erythropoiesis suppression.

JAK2 Mutation

A genetic mutation often associated with myeloproliferative disorders.

Aquagenic Pruritus

Itching associated with exposure to water, often seen in polycythemia vera.

Antithrombin

A protein that inhibits blood clotting and affects thrombin activity.

Heparin

An anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots.

Clopidogrel

An antiplatelet medication that inhibits platelet aggregation.

Warfarin

An anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K dependent clotting factors.

Plasminogen

A protein precursor that is converted to plasmin, which dissolves clots.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid heart rate, which can result from stress or anemia.

Anisocytosis

The presence of red blood cells of unequal sizes, often indicative of anemia.

Poikilocytosis

An abnormality characterized by red blood cells of varied shapes.

Hemoglobinopathies

Disorders affecting the structure or production of hemoglobin.

Hyperbili

Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, often indicating hemolysis.

Iron Homeostasis

The regulation of iron levels in the body through absorption, storage, and usage.

Ferritin

A protein that stores iron in the body.

Apoferritin

Ferritin without iron, serving as a precursor for iron storage.

Coombs Test

A test used to detect antibodies against red blood cells.

Hydroxyurea

A medication used to treat certain blood disorders by reducing red cell production.

Folic Acid

A B-vitamin essential for the production of red blood cells and proper neural function.

Ringed Sideroblasts

Abnormal red blood cell precursors with iron-loaded mitochondria, seen in sideroblastic anemia.

Neutrophils

A type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response.

Macrocytic Anemia Manifestations

Symptoms include fatigue, pallor, and neurological issues like tingling.

Bone Marrow Biopsy

A procedure to assess the health of bone marrow and blood cell production.

CD55/CD59 Deficiency

A deficiency associated with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, leading to hemolysis.

Plasmapheresis

A procedure to remove plasma from blood, often used in severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Skeletal Changes in Anemia

Changes often observed in the bones due to prolonged hematopoietic stress.

Chronic Disease Effect on Erythropoiesis

Chronic inflammation or disease can lead to decreased RBC production.

Genetic Risk for Anemia

Risk factors for developing certain types of anemia based on family history.

Bone Marrow Replacement by Fat

Seen in aplastic anemia, where normal marrow is replaced with fat.

Erythrocyte Lifespan

The average lifespan of a red blood cell, approximately 120 days.

Kidney Function and Erythropoiesis

The kidneys play a crucial role in producing erythropoietin, which stimulates RBC production.

Hemolysis Causes

Can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, or certain medications.

Maternal-Fetal Blood Incompatibility

Can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), primarily involving Rh incompatibility.

Corticosteroids

Medications often used as first-line treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Spleen's Role in Hematopoiesis

The spleen aids in the production of certain blood cells during fetal development.