Major blood disorders
Human blood consists of a solid and a liquid component. Liquid component is known as plasma. Solid component has three main constituents: Red blood cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen to different parts of the body. White blood cells (WBCs) that prevent infections. Platelets that help in blood clotting
Disorders affecting RBCs : Anemia and thalassemia
It is characterized by decreased number of RBCs and decreased hemoglobin level in blood. Major types of anemia are as follows: 1. Iron deficiency anemia. 2. Anemia of chronic diseases. 3. Megaloblastic anemia. 4. Aplastic anemia. 5. Autoimmune haemolytic anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia
Iron is an integral part of RBCs. Deficient dietary intake and excessive blood loss (during menstruation, bleeding peptic ulcer, etc.), are the common causes of iron deficiency anemia. Management of the causative factor (peptic ulcer, etc.), along with consumption of diet rich in iron or intake of iron tablets are the mainstay of treatment.
Anemia of chronic diseases
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common cause of this form of anemia. Erythropoietin is the substance produced by the kidney and help in formation of RBCs. Patients with CKD have deficient erythropoietin synthesis in kidney, leading to anemia. Synthetic erythropoietin preparations are injected to treat anemia and increase formation of RBCs.
Megaloblastic anemia
Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia. Folic acid is prescribed by the doctor to treat the condition. Folic acid supplementation alone usually replenishes depleted vitamin B12 and folic acid stores in the body.
Aplastic anemia
All forms of blood cells are produced by the soft tissue inside most bones, known as bone marrow. The bone marrow is unable to produce blood cells in aplastic anemia. It may occur due to various causes. Medications are used to treat the causative factors along with blood transfusion. However, patients of aplastic anemia may require bone marrow transplant.
Autoimmune haemolytic anemia
The defence mechanism of the body, known as the immune system, becomes overactive and destroys own RBCs to cause autoimmune haemolytic anemia. Medications that suppress the immune system of the body, known as immunosuppressants, are used to treat the condition.
Thalassemia
Thalassemia is an inherited disorder of blood characterized by synthesis of abnormal form of haemoglobin. Patients with severe form of thalassemia develop anemia at a very early age and need frequent blood transfusions to correct anemia. Screening of the parents is essential to detect possibility of thalassemia in their children.
Disorders affecting WBCs
Major disorders of WBCs are as follows: Lymphoma. Leukemia. Multiple myeloma. Myelodysplastic syndrome.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is the cancer of lymphatic system, part of the immune system of the body. White blood cells, part of the lymphatic system, become malignant and produce signs and symptoms of malignancy that predominantly affect lymphatic system. Treatment is done by specific medications used to treat cancerous conditions known as cancer chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy and treatment by radiation.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a form of blood cancer where WBCs multiply abnormally inside the bone marrow. The abnormally generated WBCs are known as leukemic cells. Treatment and future course of the disease depends on the type of leukemia and various other factors. Use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents and/or bone marrow transplant is the mainstay of treatment.
Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is the cancer of plasma cells, one form of WBCs. Plasma cells produce antibodies and help to fight against infections. In multiple myeloma, abnormally synthesized plasma cells replace normal plasma cells and act against immune system of the body. Treatment and future course depend on the type of multiple myeloma and various other factors. Treatment is usually done by cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Myelodysplastic syndrome
Myelodysplastic syndrome affects bone marrow leading to formation of dysfunctional blood cells. Treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome is usually supportive. Some cases may require bone marrow transplant.
Disorders affecting platelets
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by decreased platelet count in blood. Primary cause of thrombocytopenia is unknown; however, many secondary causes (diseases, drugs, etc.), may lead to thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is cured if underlying secondary cause is treated properly. Transfusion of platelets may also be required.
Disorders affecting plasma
Hemophilia is a group of inherited disorders causing abnormal bleeding tendencies. Plasma contains proteins that help in clotting, known as clotting factors. One such clotting factor, VIII, is deficient in hemophilia. Hemophilia leads to increased risk of bleeding after trauma. Regular transfusion of the deficient clotting factor is required to treat hemophilia. Any form of disorders of blood needs early detection. Early detection usually leads to early possible cure.
