Haematology
Haemophilia A
Introduction Haemophilia A is one of several genetic inherited clotting disorders, the other most common ones being haemophilia B and von Willebrand's disease. It typically presents in neonates and young…
Haematology
Haemophilia B (Christmas Disease)
Introduction Haemophilia B is an inherited X-linked recessive clotting disorder, which can cause excessive bleeding. Haemophilia B causes a similar, but generally less severe disease than haemophilia A. Most cases…
A sample of iron rich foods
Iron Studies
Introduction Iron studies are indicated in patients with anaemia, particularly those with microcytic anaemia. They may also be indicated in microcytosis (without anaemia), general lethargy and tiredness and malnutrition. Iron…
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Leukaemia
Introduction Leukaemia is a broad term, applied to a range of blood cell cancers. The leukaemias can be classified as acute or chronic, and sub-classified as myeloid or lymphoid. Thus, there…
Hodgkin lymphoma cytology
Lymphoma
Introduction Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system - and occurs when lymphocytes proliferate abnormally. Lymphoma be divided into two types; Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin…
Microcytosis seen on blood film in iron deficiency anaemia
Microcytic anaemias
Introduction Anaemia is one of the most common presenting complaints to general practice. One of several ways in which anaemias can be classified, is by red cell size. As such,…
Reticulin stain showing myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis is a rare type of chronic leukaemia, subclassed as a type of myeloproliferative disease. Marrow fibrosis and splenomegaly, de novo or following transformation of PV or ET Usually >50…
Blood film showing large number of plasma cells
Myeloma
Introduction Myeloma is a malignant disease of the plasma cells of the bone marrow. It is characterised by a proliferation of these plasma cells, and overproduction of an antibody (known…
Blood film showing essential thrombocythaemia - in these case with a platelet count about 10x that of normal.
Myeloproliferative Diseases
Myeloproliferative disorders are often considered cancerous blood disorders and have the potential to transform into acute leukaemia. Even if they do not progress to leukaemia, myeloproliferative disorders can still be fatal…
Clotting
Other Coagulation Factor Deficiencies
Factor XI deficiency: mainly found in Ashkenazi Jews, recessive inheritance. Homozygotes <5% levels of factor XI. Factor XI concentrate given. Factor VII deficiency: autosomal recessive, variable bleeding severity, risk of…