Myelophthisic Anemias Overview

Fibrosis in the bone marrow, often seen in blood smears as leukoerythroblastosis.

A condition where bone marrow fibrosis is the primary disease, meaning it's not caused by another underlying condition.

Bone marrow fibrosis that occurs as a secondary response to other diseases. For example, cancer, infections, or other blood disorders.

The movement of blood cell production from the bone marrow to other locations like the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.

Production of blood cells that are unhealthy and have a short lifespan, leading to ineffective blood production.

A blood smear pattern that shows the presence of immature white blood cells and red blood cells, indicating problems with bone marrow function.

A type of anemia where blood cells are normal in size and color, often seen in cases of secondary myelofibrosis.

A blood smear showing abnormal red blood cell shapes, including teardrop-shaped cells and nucleated red blood cells.

An increase in white blood cell count, often exceeding 30,000-50,000 cells per microliter, typically seen in patients with certain conditions like bone marrow fibrosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, or certain infections. It indicates an overproduction of white blood cells.

Immature myeloid lineage cells, such as myeloblasts, promyelocytes, and myelocytes, appearing in the peripheral blood, suggesting immature cells are being released from the bone marrow, often indicative of a bone marrow disorder or stress.

A condition where the bone marrow is so fibrotic (scarred), making it difficult to obtain a bone marrow sample during aspiration. This is a characteristic sign of bone marrow fibrosis.

Abnormal red blood cell shapes, including teardrop-shaped cells, found in peripheral blood, often seen in conditions like myelofibrosis, indicating bone marrow dysfunction.

The most common form of anemia globally, often affecting young women and adolescents. It occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce adequate red blood cells.

The primary role of red blood cells (RBCs) is to carry oxygen throughout the body using hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule within red blood cells, requires three crucial components: globin protein, porphyrin ring, and iron to function optimally. Deficiencies in any of these components can lead to abnormal red blood cell production, causing anemia.

The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is significantly high globally, affecting over 500 million people, highlighting the importance of addressing iron deficiency in public health efforts.

The amount of iron in the body is approximately 4 grams, with 2100 mg in hemoglobin, 300 mg in myoglobin, 1000 mg stored in the liver, and 600 mg in the macrophage system of the bone marrow and spleen.

Iron's ability to easily gain and lose electrons (changing between Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺) makes it essential for oxygen transport. This process involves binding and releasing oxygen.

Iron is transported in the blood by transferrin, a protein that can bind two iron atoms. This binding is important for regulating iron levels in the body.

Iron-bound transferrin has a higher affinity for its receptors, while apotransferrin (without iron) has a lower affinity. This ensures that iron is delivered to cells that need it the most.

When iron-bound transferrin binds to its receptor, it's internalized by the cell. In an acidic endosome, iron is released from transferrin.

Iron deficiency is more prevalent in developing countries due to food scarcity and gastrointestinal parasites. These factors contribute to reduced iron absorption and increased iron loss.

Free iron is toxic to the body, so it's stored and transported in a bound form, primarily with ferritin within cells.

The iron cycle involves the absorption of iron from food, its release from the reticuloendothelial system, and its binding to transferrin. This ensures iron is available for use by the body.

The process where iron is taken up by cells, used for functions like hemoglobin synthesis, and then recycled back into the bloodstream.

A protein that binds to iron in the bloodstream, transporting it to cells that need it.

A receptor found on the surface of cells that binds to transferrin, allowing iron to enter the cell.

The protein that stores excess iron inside cells, preventing harmful buildup.

The process where old red blood cells are broken down by specialized cells in the body.

The amount of iron that is recycled back into the bloodstream each day from broken down red blood cells.

A condition where the bone marrow produces fewer red blood cells than normal due to insufficient iron absorption.

A type of anemia where the red blood cells are smaller than normal and have less color due to iron deficiency.

A rare symptom of iron deficiency anemia characterized by difficulty swallowing due to strictures and webs in the esophagus.

The abnormal craving for non-food items like ice, dirt, or starch, a common symptom associated with iron deficiency.

An inflammation of the tongue, often appearing red and losing its papillae. A symptom commonly seen in iron deficiency.

Cracks at the corners of the mouth, often observed in advanced stages of iron deficiency.

Spoon-shaped nails, a rare manifestation of iron deficiency.

Pale sclera (whites of the eyes), a rare symptom seen in iron deficiency.

A blood test that measures red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and other parameters to diagnose anemia.

The presence of smaller than normal red blood cells (RBCs) in a blood sample.

A type of anemia where the red blood cells are paler than normal, indicating a reduced amount of hemoglobin.

A blood test that measures the amount of iron in the blood. It's used to assess iron deficiency.

A blood test that measures the total amount of iron that can be bound by transferrin, a protein that carries iron in the blood. It gives an idea of the blood's iron-carrying capacity.

A blood smear analysis looking for variations in the size of red blood cells. This can indicate anemia.

A blood test that measures the variation in the size of red blood cells. This can point towards iron deficiency anemia.

A panel of blood tests used to diagnose iron deficiency. This panel includes tests like serum iron, TIBC, and ferritin.