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.

This quiz covers the essential components of haematology, focusing on the functions and characteristics of blood components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Understand the immune response, blood clotting mechanisms, and the roles these cells play in overall health.