ANAEMIA BASICS
What is anaemia?
a reduced haemoglobin concentration in the blood.
What genetic mutation causes sickle cell disease?
A point mutation in the beta-globin gene causing haemoglobin S.
What is primary haemostasis?
The formation of a platelet plug at the site of vascular injury.
How does warfarin work?
It inhibits vitamin K–dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X).1972
What is the most common cause of microcytic anaemia worldwide?
Iron deficiency.
What triggers red blood cell sickling in sickle cell disease?
Low oxygen levels, dehydration, infection, or acidosis
What is secondary haemostasis?
Activation of the clotting cascade leading to fibrin clot formation.
How is warfarin monitored?
INR
Why does vitamin B12 deficiency cause neurological symptoms?
vitamin B12 is required for myelin synthesis in the nervous system
Why are patients with sickle cell disease more prone to infections?
Repeated splenic infarction leads to functional hyposplenism.
What is the difference between a thrombus and an embolus?
Thrombus: Forms at the site of vessel injury
Embolus: Travels from its site of origin to another location
How does heparin work?
It enhances antithrombin activity, inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa.
What are the three components of Virchow’s triad?
Endothelial injury, abnormal blood flow (stasis or turbulence), and hypercoagulability.
How is unfractionated heparin monitored?
Using the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).