Overview of Haematology

Haematology is the branch of medicine that focuses on blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases.
It involves the study of blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
- Function: Transport oxygen from the lungs to the body and carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs.
- Lifespan: Approximately 120 days.
- Production: Formed in the bone marrow (erythropoiesis).
White Blood Cells (WBCs)
- Function: Immune response; protect the body against infections.
- Types:
  - Neutrophils: First responders to infection.
  - Lymphocytes: B cells (antibody production) and T cells (cell-mediated immunity).
  - Monocytes: Turn into macrophages and clean up debris.
  - Eosinophils: Combat parasitic infections and play a role in allergic reactions.
  - Basophils: Involved in inflammatory responses.
Platelets
- Function: Involved in blood clotting (hemostasis).
- Lifespan: 7-10 days.
- Production: Formed from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.
Plasma
- Composition: Mostly water, with proteins (albumin, globulins, fibrinogen), electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
- Function: Helps in transporting cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Anemia
- Definition: Decrease in hemoglobin or red blood cell count.
- Types: Iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, aplastic anemia.
Leukemia
- Definition: Cancer of blood-forming tissues, typically resulting in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells.
- Types: Acute vs. chronic, lymphoblastic vs. myeloid.
Lymphoma
- Definition: Cancer that originates in the lymphatic system.
- Types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Thrombocytopenia
- Definition: Low platelet count, leading to increased bleeding risk.
- Causes: Bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, certain medications.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Measures levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin.
Blood Smear
- Examination of blood under a microscope to assess the shape and appearance of blood cells.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
- Procedure to examine the bone marrow for diseases and blood cell production.
Coagulation Tests
- Assess blood clotting ability (e.g., PT, aPTT).

Medications
- Iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia.
- Chemotherapy for leukemia and lymphoma.
- Anticoagulants for managing clotting disorders.
Blood Transfusions
- Used to treat severe anemia, trauma, or surgery-related blood loss.
Bone Marrow Transplant
- Treatment option for certain types of blood cancers and severe aplastic anemia.

Haematology plays a crucial role in understanding and treating blood-related disorders.
Continuous advancements in research and treatment improve outcomes for patients with haematological conditions.

Haematology focuses on blood, blood-forming organs, and related diseases.
Studies include components like red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
- Function: Carry oxygen to body tissues and carbon dioxide to lungs for expulsion.
- Lifespan: Around 120 days.
- Produced in bone marrow through a process called erythropoiesis.
White Blood Cells (WBCs)
- Function: Integral to the immune system, defending against infections.
- Types include:
  - Neutrophils: Immediate responders to infection.
  - Lymphocytes: B cells produce antibodies; T cells are key in cell-mediated immunity.
  - Monocytes: Transform into macrophages to clear debris.
  - Eosinophils: Target parasitic infections and mediate allergic responses.
  - Basophils: Play a role in inflammatory responses.
Platelets
- Function: Essential for blood clotting (hemostasis).
- Lifespan: Generally 7-10 days.
- Formed from megakaryocytes located in bone marrow.
Plasma
- Composition: Primarily water with proteins (albumin, globulins, fibrinogen), electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste.
- Function: Transports cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Anemia
- Characterized by reduced hemoglobin or red blood cell count.
- Types include iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and aplastic anemia.
Leukemia
- A blood cancer resulting in excess abnormal white blood cells.
- Types include acute vs chronic and lymphoblastic vs myeloid.
Lymphoma
- A cancer originating in the lymphatic system.
- Includes Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Thrombocytopenia
- Defined by a low platelet count, increasing bleeding risk.
- Causes include bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Assesses red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels.
Blood Smear
- Microscopic examination to evaluate the morphology of blood cells.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
- Procedure to investigate bone marrow for diseases and production levels of blood cells.
Coagulation Tests
- Evaluate blood clotting ability, including tests like PT and aPTT.

Medications
- Iron supplements for managing iron-deficiency anemia.
- Chemotherapy for treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.
- Anticoagulants for clotting disorder management.
Blood Transfusions
- Administered for severe anemia or blood loss due to trauma or surgery.
Bone Marrow Transplant
- Used as a treatment for specific blood cancers and severe aplastic anemia.

Haematology is vital for diagnosing and treating blood-related disorders.
Ongoing research and treatment advancements improve prognoses for affected patients.