Hematopoietic and Lymphoid System Quiz

Study Notes

Define complete blood count (CBC) and its importance in diagnosing hematological conditions.
Classify anemias based on CBC results and indices.
Identify general causes of microcytic anemia, including examples.
Outline clinical and laboratory features of thalassemia.
Classify normocytic anemias; provide examples for each.
Classify macrocytic anemias, detailing clinical and laboratory features.
Compare polycythemia vera with secondary polycythemia.
Describe sickle cell disease, its underlying genetic abnormality, and clinical features.
Explain glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and its clinical implications.
List four causes of thrombocytopenia.
Describe clinical and laboratory features of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), including treatment options.

Measures levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, and platelets.
Hemoglobin: Key protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Hematocrit: Percentage of blood volume comprised of red blood cells.
White blood cell count and differential provide insights into immune system health.
Platelet count assesses clotting ability.
Terms:
- “Cytosis” indicates an excess (e.g., leukocytosis - high white blood cell count).
- “Penia” indicates a deficit (e.g., leukopenia - low white blood cell count).

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Average size of red blood cells; normal range is 80-100 femtoliters. Microcytic if less than 80.
Mean Concentration of Hemoglobin (MCH): Amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell; normal range is 27-31 picograms per cell. Hypochromic if less than 27.

Anemia: Reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, or hematocrit.
Classification relies on red cell morphology and reticulocyte count, measuring bone marrow production of immature RBCs.
Primary causes include decreased RBC production, increased destruction, or accelerated loss due to various conditions.

Mnemonic TICS or TAILS helps remember causes:
- Iron deficiency (most common cause)
- Thalassemia
- Lead toxicity

Characterized by hypochromic, microcytic red blood cells; can be normocytic normochromic early on.
Symptoms include fatigue, restless leg syndrome, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, weakness, and pica.
Ferritin is the best diagnostic test for assessing iron storage and availability; levels above 50 ng/mL suggest no IDA.

Anemia classification depends on cell appearance and reticulocyte count.
Thalassemia presents with specific clinical features and laboratory findings distinguishable from iron deficiency anemia.
Common causes of thrombocytopenia include immune disorders, bone marrow diseases, infections, and medications.
ITP presents with petechiae and easy bruising whereas TTP causes microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, requiring different treatment approaches.