Red Blood Cell Disorders

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

What is a common characteristic of reticulocytes in cases of anaemia due to haemorrhage or haemolysis?

  • Normal size and shape
  • Presence of mature red blood cells
  • Decreased number of reticulocytes
  • Increased number of reticulocytes (correct)

Which of the following conditions is associated with a low reticulocyte count?

  • Haemolytic anaemia
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Iron deficiency anaemia
  • Aplastic anaemia (correct)

What kind of anaemia is characterized by small, hypochromic red blood cells due to a deficiency of iron?

  • Hemolytic anaemia
  • Sickle cell anaemia
  • Iron deficiency anaemia (correct)
  • Macrocytic anaemia

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with iron deficiency anaemia?

<p>Hyperactivity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is anaemia classified based on red blood cell size and shape?

<p>As microcytic or macrocytic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is essential for proper red blood cell production and is often deficient in certain types of anaemia?

<p>Vitamin B12 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of acquired anaemia that leads to destruction of red blood cells?

<p>Haemolysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the red blood cell (RBC) lifespan in patients with haemolytic anaemia?

<p>RBC lifespan is generally less than 30 days. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition would likely result in a normal reticulocyte count despite the presence of anaemia?

<p>Chronic disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory finding is indicative of immune haemolytic anaemia?

<p>Presence of spherocytes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of leukodepletion in blood component therapy?

<p>To reduce the risk of immune reaction and infection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a common cause of drug-induced haemolytic anaemia?

<p>Antibodies directed against the drug-red cell membrane complex. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lab findings would most likely indicate a haemolytic anaemia?

<p>Elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of bone marrow failure in the context of anaemia?

<p>Production of immature blood cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of anemia is characterized by hyper-segmented neutrophils found on a peripheral smear?

<p>Megaloblastic anaemia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the mechanism of extravascular hemolysis?

<p>It involves macrophages clearing complexes of hemoglobin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of transfusing red blood cells?

<p>Correcting severe anaemia with symptoms of inadequate oxygenation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT treated with fresh frozen plasma?

<p>Venous thromboembolism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which antigen is essential for compatibility in red blood cell transfusions?

<p>ABO blood group antigens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of antibodies do individuals with blood group O naturally form?

<p>Anti-A and anti-B antibodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the blood group determined genetically?

<p>From two alleles, one from each parent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is cryoprecipitate particularly useful?

<p>Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is false regarding immune antibodies in blood types?

<p>Group O individuals have anti-A antibodies only (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition does NOT lead to an effective production of platelets?

<p>Thrombocytopenia due to immune anti-platelet antibody (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Megaloblastic Anemia Symptoms

Insidious onset, presenting with mild jaundice, glossitis, angular stomatitis, and peripheral neuropathy (tingling in feet, trouble walking, falls).

Hyper-segmented Neutrophils

Blood cells with 5-6 lobes, observed in megaloblastic anemia.

Haemolytic Anaemia Definition

Anemia resulting from rapid red blood cell destruction. Red cells usually live for 120 days.

Haemolytic Anemia Lab Findings

Lowered hemoglobin(Hb) count, elevated reticulocytes, abnormal blood cell shapes (spherocytes, polychromatic cells, schistocytes), high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and unconjugated bilirubin, and low haptoglobin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Immune Haemolytic Anaemia Cause

Presence of auto-antibodies or complement on the surface of red blood cells. Can be caused by drugs (e.g., penicillin, quinidine, methyldopa) and occur in any age/sex.

Signup and view all the flashcards

RBC Survival Time (Normal)

Normally 120 days.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Haptoglobin Function

Protein that binds to free hemoglobin and clears it by macrophages.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Blood Component Usage

Individual blood components (e.g., red cells, platelets) are used rather than whole blood. Leukodepletion (removal of white blood cells) reduces infections and immune responses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Red Blood Cell Function

Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues. They are used to treat conditions like blood loss (hypovolemia) and severe anemia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fresh Frozen Plasma

Plasma containing coagulation proteins and inhibitors. Used in cases of massive transfusions, liver disease, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cryoprecipitate

A component of blood plasma rich in fibrinogen, a blood protein vital for blood clotting

Signup and view all the flashcards

Platelets and Thrombocytopenia

Platelets are used to treat bleeding due to insufficient platelets (thrombocytopenia).

Signup and view all the flashcards

ABO Blood Groups

Blood groups determined by the presence of antigens (carbohydrates) on red blood cells.

Signup and view all the flashcards

ABO Antigens

Carbohydrate markers on red blood cells that determine blood type.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Landsteiner's Rule

Individuals create antibodies against ABO blood group antigens they lack. This is a natural antibody response and does not need previous contact with the antigen.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Conjunctiva Colour

The conjunctiva, a membrane lining the inner eyelid, appears pink due to its rich blood supply. In anemia, it turns pale pink or white, regardless of the person's skin color.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Microcytic Anemia

Microcytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by small red blood cells due to low Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Macrocytic Anemia

Macrocytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by large red blood cells due to high Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Poikilocytosis

Poikilocytosis describes red blood cells with abnormal shapes, which can occur in various anemias.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anisocytosis

Anisocytosis describes red blood cells with varying sizes, which can be observed in certain anemias.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Reticulocyte Count

A reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells in the blood. It's often elevated in anemia due to bleeding or red blood cell destruction, indicating increased red blood cell production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia caused by a lack of iron, leading to reduced hemoglobin production and small, pale red blood cells.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Iron Absorption

The body typically absorbs only about 1 mg of iron from an average daily intake of 15 mg.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Haematology: RBC Disorders and Clinical Haematology

  • This presentation covers red blood cell (RBC) disorders and clinical haematology.
  • Dr G O'Connor, [email protected], is the presenter.

Red Blood Cells

  • RBCs are designed to carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.
  • Their cytoplasm contains haemoglobin, an oxygen-binding protein.
  • Their small diameter (7–8 µm) and biconcave shape maximize surface-to-volume ratio, aiding oxygen exchange.
  • The diameter of a RBC is 7.2 µm.

Haemoglobin

  • Adult haemoglobin is a tetramer of 2β₂.
  • Each chain carries an iron-containing haem group.
  • Haemoglobin reversibly binds oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin.
  • Oxygen binding to one haem group increases oxygen affinity for other sites (cooperative binding).

Measuring Haematological Parameters

  • Full blood count (FBC) assesses various RBC characteristics.
  • Parameters include red blood cell count, mean cell volume, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, and red cell distribution width.

Blood Film

  • Blood films are stained microscopic examinations of blood samples, displaying various blood cell types, including RBCs.
  • Typical blood film images are provided in the presentation.
  • Different blood cells (e.g., platelets, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils) are identifiable on the smear.

Red Blood Cell Disorders

  • Anaemia is the most prevalent blood disorder globally.
  • Anaemia results from reduced red blood cell haemoglobin concentration.
  • Symptoms can range from mild (asymptomatic) to severe, reflecting reduced oxygen delivery.
  • Common symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, breathlessness, fainting, pallor, palpitations, worsening angina, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
  • Assessing the lower eyelid conjunctiva (appears pale pink or white in anaemia) helps diagnose anaemia.

Basis for Classification of Anaemia

  • Categorization is primarily based on RBC size and shape.
  • Microcytic anaemia involves small RBCs, while macrocytic anaemia involves large RBCs.
  • Poikilocytosis (nonuniform cell shapes) and anisocytosis (nonuniform cell sizes) further aid in classifying erythrocyte disorders.
  • Based on cell morphology, different types of anaemia (e.g., microcytic, macrocytic, normocytic) are diagnosed.

Acquired or Inherited Anaemia

  • Anaemia arises due to significant blood loss, reduced red cell production, or excessive red cell destruction.
  • Acquired causes include iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency, blood loss, chronic disease, immune reactions, bone marrow infiltration (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma), and aplastic anaemia.
  • Inherited causes include haemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell disease), red blood cell membrane defects, and red blood cell enzyme defects.

Anaemia: RBC MCV

  • MCV (<80 fL) represents microcytic anaemia (small red blood cells).
  • MCV (> 96 fL) represents macrocytic anaemia (large red blood cells).
  • Normal MCV represents normocytic anaemia (normal-sized red blood cells).

Reticulocyte Count

  • Reticulocyte count helps evaluate red blood cell production.
  • Elevated reticulocyte counts indicate increased red blood cell production in response to conditions like haemorrhage or haemolysis.
  • Decreased reticulocyte count suggests a problem in red blood cell production.

Microcytic Anaemia: Iron Deficiency Anaemia

  • Iron deficiency anaemia is a common cause of microcytic anaemia.
  • Low iron levels result in reduced haemoglobin synthesis.
  • Symptoms include typical anaemia symptoms; further symptoms involving mucous membranes, nails, and mouth are more specific to this type of anaemia.

Causes of Iron Deficiency

  • Insufficient iron intake (poor diet).
  • Increased iron requirements (growth spurts, pregnancy).
  • Malabsorption (gastrointestinal issues).

Laboratory Findings of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

  • Low haemoglobin, low MCV, low mean corpuscular haemoglobin.
  • Blood film shows microcytic, hypochromic cells, pencil cells, and target cells.

Biochemistry of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

  • Serum iron, transferrin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) are examined.
  • Serum ferritin is often reduced in iron deficiency.
  • Reduced serum ferritin and elevated TIBC directly suggest low iron levels, with accompanying inflammation potentially masking this result.

Latent Iron Deficiency

  • Latent iron deficiency involves reduced storage iron before overt anaemia.

RBC Antigens

  • Transfusion of red blood cells requires compatibility between donor and recipient.
  • ABO blood group antigens and Rhesus D antigen are critical.

ABO Blood Groups

  • ABO blood group antigens are carbohydrates.
  • Individuals possess antibodies against antigens they don't have (Landsteiner's rule).
  • ABO incompatibility can cause serious reactions during transfusions.

Rhesus Grouping

  • Five primary Rh antigens — D, C, c, E, and e — exist.
  • D is the most significant for clinical purposes.
  • Anti-D antibodies arise from previous exposures or incompatibility and can cause complications.
  • Rhesus incompatibility can result in haemolytic disease in the newborn.

Haemolytic Anaemia

  • Increased red blood cell destruction characterizes immune haemolytic anaemia.
  • Underlying causes include autoantibodies or complement attacking red blood cells.
  • A variety of medications, such as penicillin, quinidine, and methyldopa, can induce drug-induced haemolytic anaemia.

Other Considerations

  • Reduced erythropoietin (EPO) production due to renal disease or bone marrow failure can lead to anaemia.
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) lead to immature blood cells failing to develop fully.

Blood Products

  • Individual blood components are generally preferred over whole blood.
  • Processing removes white blood cells (leukodepletion) to minimize immune reactions.

Blood Component Uses

  • Red blood cells treat hypovolemia and severe anaemia.
  • Fresh frozen plasma provides coagulation proteins.
  • Cryoprecipitate contains high fibrinogen levels and is used for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or specific fibrinogen deficiency.
  • Platelets treat bleeding related to thrombocytopenia.

Transfusion Reactions

  • Various adverse reactions can occur during transfusions, including acute haemolytic reactions, febrile non-haemolytic reactions, allergic reactions (sometimes with anaphylaxis), and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).
  • Delayed reactions such as delayed haemolytic reactions, graft-versus-host disease, and post-transfusion purpura are also potential complications.
  • Infections like bacterial, viral (hepatitis B, C, and HIV), and prion diseases are possible but rare risks.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Red Blood Cell Disorders Quiz
50 questions
Red Blood Cell Disorders Quiz
15 questions

Red Blood Cell Disorders Quiz

TemptingHeliotrope3243 avatar
TemptingHeliotrope3243
Oral Medicine: Red Cell Disorders
11 questions
Oral Medicine & RBC Disorders Quiz
72 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser