Overview of Haematology

Overview of Haematology

• Haematology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study of blood, blood diseases, and blood-forming organs.

Components of Blood

1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

   • Function: Transport oxygen from lungs to tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to lungs.
   • Lifespan: Approximately 120 days.
   • Produced in: Bone marrow.

2. White Blood Cells (WBCs)

   • Function: Immune response and protection against infection.
   • Types:
     • Neutrophils: First responders to infection.
     • Lymphocytes: B cells (humoral immunity) and T cells (cell-mediated immunity).
     • Monocytes: Differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells.
     • Eosinophils & Basophils: Involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

3. Platelets

   • Function: Blood clotting and hemostasis.
   • Produced in: Bone marrow (from megakaryocytes).

4. Plasma

   • Liquid component of blood, comprising over 55% of blood volume.
   • Contains water, electrolytes, proteins (albumin, globulins), hormones, and waste products.

Common Blood Disorders

1. Anemia

   • Characterized by low hemoglobin levels.
   • Types: Iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia.

2. Leukemia

   • Cancer of blood-forming tissues, leading to increased production of immature or abnormal white blood cells.

3. Lymphoma

   • Cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, affecting lymphocytes.

4. Thrombocytopenia

   • Low platelet count leading to increased risk of bleeding.

5. Hemophilia

   • Genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots.

Diagnostic Methods

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Measures different components of blood, including RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, and platelets.

• Bone Marrow Biopsy

  • Examines bone marrow for diseases like leukemia or lymphoma.

• Coagulation Tests

  • Includes PT (Prothrombin time), aPTT (Activated partial thromboplastin time), and INR (International normalized ratio).

Treatment Options

• Transfusion Therapy

  • Administration of blood components (RBCs, platelets, plasma) to treat deficiencies.

• Medications

  • Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, chemotherapy for leukemia/lymphoma, immunosuppressants.

• Bone Marrow Transplant

  • Replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy donor marrow.

• Lifestyle Modifications

  • Diet management and regular exercise to improve blood health.

Preventive Measures

• Regular blood tests for early detection of disorders.
• Vaccination (e.g., for hepatitis B) to prevent blood-borne diseases.
• Healthy lifestyle to maintain optimal blood health.

Key Terms

• Hematopoiesis: The process of blood cell formation.
• Hemostasis: The process of blood clotting.
• Reticulocyte: Immature RBC indicating bone marrow activity.

Haematology: The Study of Blood

• Haematology is the medical field focused on the study of blood, its components, and related diseases.

Components of Blood

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Transport oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide back to lungs, lifespan of 120 days, produced in bone marrow.
• White Blood Cells (WBCs): Provide immune response and protection against infections.
  • Neutrophils: First responders to infection.
  • Lymphocytes: B cells (humoral immunity) and T cells (cell-mediated immunity).
  • Monocytes: Differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells.
  • Eosinophils & Basophils: Involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.
• Platelets: Essential for blood clotting and hemostasis (stopping bleeding), produced in bone marrow from megakaryocytes.
• Plasma: Liquid component of blood comprising over 55% of blood volume, contains water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and waste products.

Common Blood Disorders

• Anemia: Characterized by low hemoglobin levels, various types including iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, and hemolytic anemia.
• Leukemia: Cancer affecting blood-forming tissues, leading to increased production of immature or abnormal white blood cells.
• Lymphoma: Cancer originating in the lymphatic system, primarily affecting lymphocytes.
• Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Hemophilia: Genetic disorder impairing the body's ability to form blood clots.

Diagnostic Methods

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures various blood components like RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, and platelets.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: Examines bone marrow for conditions like leukemia or lymphoma.
• Coagulation Tests: Assess blood clotting ability through tests like PT, aPTT, and INR.

Treatment Options

• Transfusion Therapy: Administering blood components like RBCs, platelets, and plasma to address deficiencies.
• Medications: Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, chemotherapy for leukemia/lymphoma, and immunosuppressants.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: Replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy donor marrow.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Diet management and regular exercise to improve blood health.

Preventive Measures

• Regular Blood Tests: Early detection of blood disorders through periodic testing.
• Vaccination: Prevention of blood-borne diseases through vaccination (e.g., Hepatitis B).
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintenance of optimal blood health through healthy lifestyle choices.

Key Terms

• Hematopoiesis: The process of blood cell formation.
• Hemostasis: The process of blood clotting.
• Reticulocyte: Immature RBC indicating bone marrow activity.