Pallor, bruising and fever

The aim of this topic is to review the common types of leukaemia and myeloproliferative disorders, and their clinical features.

Learning objectives:

At the completion of this topic you should be able to:

1. Describe the different types of leucocytes and their respective functions.
2. Outline the ontogeny of different types of leucocytes. Describe the role of cytokines and growth factors in the development of white blood cells and in their specific differentiation into end stage cells.
3. Outline the causes and consequences of leucopaenia. In particular, the causes and consequences of lymphopaenia and neutropaenia should be understood.
4. Discuss the classification of leukaemia and the rationale for this classification.
5. Describe the major clinical and pathological differences between acute and chronic leukaemia.
6. Describe the clinical and laboratory features of the common types of leukaemia, including acute myeloid, acute lymphoid, chronic myeloid and chronic lymphoid forms.
7. Outline the factors, both genetic and acquired, that predispose to leukaemia.
8. Discuss the pathogenesis and clinical features of myeloproliferative disorders other than CML, including polycythaemia rubra vera, myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythaemia.
9. Describe the complications that may result from bone marrow failure and pancytopaenia.
10. Describe the investigation of a patient with suspected leukaemia.

1. Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of the acute and chronic leukaemias.
2. Write brief notes on the causes of pancytopaenia.

Case protocol associated with this topic - 32

Other relevant protocol - 49

Back to Tutorial Timetable