Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a malignant neoplasm of the lymphocyte precursor cells. These leukaemic lymphoblasts have an exaggerated and uncontrolled growth leading to bone marrow failure. They also fail to mount an appropriate immune response. ALL represents <1% of adult…
Haematological malignancies are clonal neoplasms that are derived from a single hematopoietic stem cell or peripheral lymphoid tissue. Definition of terms Term Definition Blast cells Immature precursor cells in the bone marrow Myeloid lineage Derived from bone marrow precursors Lymphoid…
Thalassemia is caused by a disorder of globin production. It is characterised by microcytic anaemia with a relatively normal iron study. α-thalassemia is more common among Africans (Trans: α-/α-) and Asians (cis: αα/—). β-thalassemia is more common among Mediterraneans (Italians…
Anaemia of chronic disease (anaemia of inflammation) is caused by sequestration and reduced utilisation of iron during chronic infection, autoimmune disease, and inflammation. It is the most common cause of anaemia in hospitalised patients.
Sideroblastic anaemia is caused by the defective incorporation of iron into protoporphyrin – the final step in the synthesis of heme. It is an umbrella term, referring to multiple disorders with different etiologies. Some chelators Element Chelator Iron Deferoxamine, Deferasirox…
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia. Iron is a key component of haemoglobin – each heme molecule has iron in its centre. Iron deficiency causes smaller and poorly haemoglobinized red blood cells to be produced. It is…
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is classically seen in chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, and strict vegetarians. Vitamin B12 is required for folate metabolism, DNA/RNA synthesis, succinyl-CoA synthesis (for haemoglobin), and myelination. Difference between Folate and B12 deficiency Folate deficiency B12 deficiency Peripheral…
Folate deficiency is classically seen in chronic alcohol intake, malnutrition, and people who do not eat vegetables. Folate plays a role in DNA synthesis and single-carbon-unit transfers (e.g., conversion of homocysteine to methionine). Its deficiency leads to ineffective haematopoiesis. Folate…
Macrocytic anaemia is characterised by a low haemoglobin concentration and a high mean corpuscular volume (MCV > 100). It can be classified into megaloblastic and non-megaloblastic types. Classification of macrocytic anaemia Category Causes Megaloblastic anaemia Vitamin B12 deficiency; folate deficiency;…
Overview Sickle cell crises are acute episodes of severe illness that occur in patients with sickle cell disease. These episodes are typically caused by vaso-occlusion, hemolysis or bone marrow suppression. Vaso-occlusive crisis A vaso-occlusive crisis is caused by acute occlusion…