Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is characterised by the accumulation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, the presence of M-proteins in serum and urine, and CRAB (hypercalcaemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia, and bone disease) in symptomatic patients. Multiple myeloma accounts for 1% of…
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia is the clonal proliferation of IgM-secreting plasma cells. It is characterised by platelet-type bleeding and hyperviscosity syndrome. It is rare, peaking between 60 and 80 years of age
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Acute myeloid leukaemia is an acute leukaemia that involves myeloid cell line precursors. The presence of granules in the cells is a characteristic feature of AML. The incidence of AML increases with age. It peaks at around…
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
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
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
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 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
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 Anaemia
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…