Overview Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an acquired autoimmune thrombophilia characterized by recurrent venous or arterial thromboses and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). APS may occur as a primary condition or secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prevalence of aPL in the general population is ~2%, but true APS is rare […]

Types of Lymphoma Lymphoma is malignancy originating in the lymph nodes. There are two types: Classic Clinical Presentation  Differential Diagnosis of Lymphadenopathy Hodgkin’s lymphoma Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Bimodal Distribution Risk Factors EBV EBV may be associated with HIV Lymph Nodes Contiguous and localized Noncontiguous and peripheral Histology Reed-Sternberg cells Majority involve B cells Treatment ABVD R-CHOP

Overview Sickle cell anaemia is an autosomal recessive disorder causing production of abnormal ß-globin chains. A single amino acid is substituted in the ß-globin chain (Glu to Val at position 6). This results in the production of HbS (haemoglobin Sickle) rather than HbA. The common variants of sickle cell disease are: Red Blood Cells Physiology […]

Overview  Leukemia is a common malignancy in children and adults that occurs when alterations in normal cell regulatory processes cause uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Classification Its important to know that Leukaemia can be divided into acute and chronic and then further divided into its cell lineage. Remember that this […]

Overview Myelofibrosis is a type of myeloproliferative diseasecharacterized by clonal myeloid expansion, followed by progressive fibrous connective tissue deposition in the bone marrow, resulting in bone marrow failure. Clonal evolution can also occur, with an increased risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. In addition, disabling constitutional symptoms secondary to the high circulating levels of […]

Overview Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis that is increasing in prevalence. Gout (monosodium urate crystal deposition disease) is characterized biochemically by extracellular fluid urate saturation. Tends to occur earlier in life in men than women, and is rare in childhood. Prevalence is increasing. It is associated with many serious comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, […]

Overview Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) arises from germinal center or post-germinal center B cells. HL has a unique cellular composition, containing a minority of neoplastic cells (Reed-Sternberg cells and their variants) in an inflammatory background. Remember Reed-Sternberg cell is a characteristic feature of HL. Epidemiology Classification Classical HL – (90-95% of cases). The tumor cells in this group […]

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) consists of a diverse group of malignant neoplasms variously derived from B cell progenitors, T cell progenitors, mature B cells, mature T cells, or (rarely) natural killer cells.

Overview In the clinical setting, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia. Iron Deficiency is lack of iron in the body resulting from inadequate iron intake, increased iron loss and increased iron demand which can lead to anaemia. Iron is an integral part of haemoglobin the oxygen carrying protein. Without iron, oxygen is unable to […]

Overview Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is a common cause of megaloblastic anemia, a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and elevated serum homocysteine levels, especially in older persons. The recognition and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency is critical since it is a reversible cause of bone marrow failure and demyelinating nervous system disease. Physiology of Vitamin B12 digestion […]