OIA1014 HAEMATOLOGY DISORDERS

Name the main components of blood.

Red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma.

What are the primary functions of blood?

Transportation (oxygen, nutrients, hormones), regulation (temperature, pH), and protection (clotting, immunity).

What is thrombocytopenia?

A condition with a platelet count <150 × 10^9/L, leading to bleeding risks.

List causes of thrombocytopenia.

Decreased production, increased destruction, splenic sequestration, or platelet utilization.

What are common symptoms of thrombocytopenia?

Petechiae, ecchymoses, mucosal bleeding, and excessive bleeding after surgery.

What is hemophilia?

A hereditary disorder caused by clotting factor deficiencies, primarily Factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or Factor IX (Hemophilia B).

What are the symptoms of hemophilia?

Severe bleeding episodes, especially after minor trauma or surgery.

How is hemophilia treated?

Factor replacement therapy (e.g., fresh frozen plasma, Factor VIII or IX concentrates), antifibrinolytics like tranexamic acid, and avoiding aspirin.

What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

A condition characterized by widespread clot formation followed by bleeding due to consumption of clotting factors and platelets.

What are causes of DIC?

Infections, malignancies, obstetric complications, and trauma.

How is DIC treated?

Treat the underlying cause, replace clotting factors (FFP, plasma concentrates), and administer heparin if thrombotic complications occur.

Define leukopenia and neutropenia.

Leukopenia is a reduction in total WBC count, and neutropenia is a decrease in neutrophils, increasing infection risk.

What are the common causes of neutropenia?

Drug-induced suppression, congenital conditions, and infections.

How is neutropenia treated?

Antibiotics for infections, corticosteroids for autoimmune conditions, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).

What is anemia?

A condition where RBC count or hemoglobin levels are lower than normal, affecting oxygen transport.

What are the common types of anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, and anemia of chronic disease.

How is iron-deficiency anemia managed?

Iron supplements (oral or intravenous) and dietary modifications.

What is mean corpuscular volume (MCV)?

A measure of the average size of RBCs, used to classify anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.

What does mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) indicate?

The average hemoglobin content per RBC.

What does a high red cell distribution width (RDW) suggest?

A greater variation in RBC size, indicating mixed anemia causes.

What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?

Poor dietary intake, malabsorption, or lack of intrinsic factor (pernicious anemia).

How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia treated?

Oral or intramuscular vitamin B12 supplementation.

What is the treatment for anemia of chronic disease?

Managing the underlying condition and supplementing iron or folate if needed.

How is drug-induced thrombocytopenia managed?

Discontinue the causative drug and monitor platelet counts.

What lab findings are seen in hemophilia?

Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) with normal INR.

What lab findings suggest acute DIC?

Thrombocytopenia, prolonged INR and aPTT, reduced fibrinogen, and elevated fibrin degradation products.

What is ferritin?

A protein that stores iron in cells.

What is transferrin?

The main iron-transport protein in the blood.

What is the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)?

A measure of the blood's ability to bind and transport iron.

Why is understanding hematological disorders essential in pharmacy?

To guide appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of conditions like anemia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorders.