Hematology and Oncology

Atypical cases often stem from conditions that mask classic signs. Mild infections, subclinical autoimmune activity, or medication effects can distort laboratory expectations...

The leukemias are a group of conditions characterized by the malignant proliferation of leukocytes in the bone marrow. The cells spill out into the blood stream and may infiltrate other organs...

Splenomegaly is often a focus of short case examinations since many of its causes are chronic. Lymphadenopathy may be localized or generalized...

A patient is anemic when the hemoglobin concentration in the blood is less than 13 g/dL (or hematorcit [Hct] less than 39%) in men and 12 g/dL (or Hct less than 36%) in women. The size of the red blood cells gives important clues as to the likely underlying abnormality.

Bruising and bleeding arise when there is abnormal hemostasis. Hemostasis is dependent on normal platelet number and function, an intact coagulation pathway, and normal vessel walls.

Structurally related to vitamin K, 4-hydroxycoumarins act as “false” vitamin K and prevent regeneration of reduced (active) vitamin K from vitamin K epoxide, hence the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Coumarins are well absorbed after oral administration. Their duration of action varies considerably. Synthesis of clotting factors depends on the intrahepatocytic concentration ratio of coumarins to vitamin K.