Objective flashcards
How does chronic inflammation differ from acute inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is prolonged, involves macrophages and lymphocytes, and can lead to tissue damage and fibrosis. Acute inflammation is a short-term response with neutrophil predominance, redness, swelling, and heat.
What are the four likely causes of autoimmune diseases?
- Exposure to a sequestered antigen (immune system encounters previously hidden antigens)
- Complications of an infectious disease (molecular mimicry triggering autoimmunity)
- Development of a neoantigen (modification of self-antigens leading to immune response)
- Ineffective peripheral tolerance (failure to suppress self-reactive lymphocytes)
What are the different methods for classifying anemia?
By morphology (microcytic, normocytic, macrocytic), by cause (iron deficiency, hemolytic, aplastic), and by pathophysiology (blood loss, decreased production, increased destruction).
What are common symptoms of anemia and their pathophysiology?
Fatigue (decreased oxygen delivery), pallor (reduced hemoglobin), tachycardia (compensatory increase in cardiac output), dyspnea (low oxygen levels), and dizziness (hypoxia affecting the brain).
What is the incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia?
It is common in menstruating women and children. It results from insufficient iron, impairing hemoglobin synthesis. Symptoms include fatigue, pallor, brittle nails, and pica (craving for non-food items).
What are the manifestations of posthemorrhagic anemia?
Hypotension, tachycardia, pallor, weakness, and shock (in severe cases).
What are the three mechanisms involved in ACD?
- Decreased erythropoiesis (cytokine-mediated inhibition)
- Impaired iron utilization (iron sequestration in macrophages)
- Reduced erythropoietin production (kidney dysfunction)
What is a potential cause of pseudothrombocytopenia?
Laboratory artifact due to platelet clumping in anticoagulant-treated blood samples.
Compare immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
ITP is an autoimmune disorder causing platelet destruction. TTP involves microvascular thrombosis due to ADAMTS13 enzyme deficiency.
What is the etiology of ET?
Overproduction of platelets due to clonal proliferation in the bone marrow.
What are potential causes of abnormal platelet function?
Genetic disorders, medication effects (aspirin, NSAIDs), and systemic diseases (uremia, liver disease).
How do vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, and thrombohemorrhagic disorders affect hemostasis?
Vitamin K deficiency impairs clotting factor synthesis. Liver disease reduces clotting factor production. Thrombohemorrhagic disorders lead to excessive clotting and bleeding (DIC).
How does iron deficiency anemia differ in children and adults?
In children, it is often due to dietary insufficiency. In adults, it commonly results from chronic blood loss.
What are the mechanisms, manifestations, and treatments for hemolytic disease of the newborn?
Caused by maternal-fetal Rh incompatibility, leading to fetal RBC destruction. Symptoms include jaundice, anemia, and hydrops fetalis. Treatment includes phototherapy and exchange transfusion.
What are predisposing factors and complications of PUD?
H. pylori infection, NSAID use, smoking, and stress. Complications include bleeding, perforation, and gastric obstruction.
What are the major complications of portal hypertension?
Varices (esophageal, gastric), splenomegaly, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy.
How is bilirubin formed, transported, and eliminated?
Formed from RBC breakdown, transported by albumin to the liver, conjugated for excretion via bile.
Compare alcoholic, biliary, and postnecrotic cirrhosis.
Alcoholic (due to alcohol damage), biliary (autoimmune bile duct destruction), postnecrotic (viral hepatitis or toxin-induced fibrosis).
Why are infants more susceptible to GERD?
Immature lower esophageal sphincter, horizontal feeding position, and slower gastric emptying.
