BLOOD DISORDERS
When blood is out of order
BLOOD DIsORDeRs CAN AFFeCT ANY OF THe THRee MAIN COMPONeNTs OF BLOOD: ReD BLOOD CeLLs, WHITe BLOOD CeLLs AND PLATeLeTs. PIF LOOKs AT sOMe OF THe MORe COMMON DIsORDeRs…
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n the body, stem cells divide and mature into the different cell types that make up our blood. This
includes red blood cells (for carrying oxygen), platelets (to help blood clot) and white blood cells (for fighting infections). Blood disorders generally arise if there is a problem with a stage in this process, rendering some of the blood cells unable to correctly perform the job they are designed to do.
Many of these problems can occur because of a faulty gene that is inherited at birth, while others, such as myelodysplastic syndromes and autoimmune diseases, are not inherited and can occur for no obvious reason.
Blood disorders that affect red blood cells Anemia: Anemia occurs when there is a low number of red blood cells. While mild anemia can be asymptomatic, more severe anemia can cause fatigue, pale skin and shortness of breath with exertion.
Iron-deficiency anemia: Iron is vital for the body to make red blood cells. A low iron intake and loss of blood due to menstruation can cause iron- deficiency anemia, although it can also be caused by blood loss from the GI tract due to ulcers or cancer. Treatment generally involves iron pills or, in serious cases, blood transfusion.
Anemia of chronic disease: Patients affected by chronic diseases, such as kidney disease eases tend to develop anemia. This type of anemia does not usually require treatment, although some patients may require injections of a synthetic hormone called epoetin alfa to stimulate the production of blood cells.
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Pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency): This occurs when the body doesn’t absorb enough B12 through diet due to a weakened stomach lining or an autoimmune condition. The condition can often result in neuropathy, but high doses of B12 can help to prevent long-term problems.
Aplastic anemia: This occurs when the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells, including red blood cells, leading to anemia. This may be caused by conditions, such as hepatitis, but may also be the result of a side effect of a drug or chemotherapy medication. The condition requires medication, blood transfusion or, in severe cases, a bone marrow transplant.
Autoimmune haemolytic anemia: All autoimmune diseases are caused by an overactive immune system that targets the body’s own cells rather than foreign bodies, such as bacteria or viruses. Medicines that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone, may be required to stop the process.
Sickle cell anemia: This genetic condition means that the blood is unable to carry oxygen around the body effectively because the cells are sickle or crescent shaped instead of disc shaped. This renders them sticky and stiff and so they can’t bind as much oxygen as a normal cell. Particularly prevalent in those from Africa, south or Central America, the Caribbean islands, India, saudi Arabia and Mediterranean countries, this condition can lead to severe pain and organ damage.
Polycythemia vera: This occurs when the body produces too many
blood cells from an unknown cause. In many cases the excess red blood cells will create no problems, while, in others, they may lead to blood clots.
Blood disorders that affect white blood cells Lymphoma: This is a form of blood cancer that develops in the lymph system and occurs when a white blood cell becomes malignant and then multiplies and spreads abnormally.
The two main groups of the disorder are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Treatment is usually chemotherapy and/or radiation, which can sometimes cure the disorder or extend life.
Leukemia: As with lymphoma, leukemia is a form of blood cancer, but one which multiplies inside bone marrow. It can be acute or chronic but can be treated with chemotherapy and/or a bone marrow transplant.
Multiple myeloma: A blood cancer in which a white blood cell called a plasma cell becomes malignant. The plasma cells multiply and release damaging substances that eventually cause organ damage. At present there is no cure for multiple myeloma, but stem cell transplant and/or chemotherapy can enable people to live with the condition.
Myelodysplastic syndromes: A group of blood disorders that cause bone marrow to produce too many blood cells. Often progresses very slowly, but can sometimes develop into acute myeloid leukemia.
Blood disorders affecting platelets Thrombocytopenia: Occurs when there are a low number of platelets in the blood. Most cases do not result in abnormal bleeding.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: A condition causing a persistently low number of platelets in the blood due to an unknown cause. There are generally no symptoms, but abnormal bruising or small red spots on the skin can result.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A rare blood disorder causing small blood clots to form in blood vessels throughout the body, using up platelets and leading to a low platelet count.
Essential thrombocytosis: This occurs when the body produces too many platelets, due to an unknown cause. The platelets do not work properly, resulting in excessive clotting, bleeding, or both.
Blood disorders affecting blood plasma Haemophilia: A genetic deficiency of certain proteins that help blood to clot. Can occur in multiple forms, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening.
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. A DVT can dislodge and travel through the heart to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): A condition that causes tiny blood clots and areas of bleeding throughout the body simultaneously. Can be caused by severe infections, surgery, or complications of pregnancy.
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