Red Blood Cell Disorders (Hematology Notes)

Summary:

Red blood cell disorders encompass various conditions affecting erythrocytes, which are critical in oxygen transport and waste removal. Blood, discovered to circulate throughout the body by William Harvey in 1628, is a fluid connective tissue vital for life, growth, and health. Red blood cell count can fluctuate due to physiological and pathological factors, including age, sex, altitude, and disease.

Anemia, characterized by a reduction in red blood cell count, hemoglobin content, or packed cell volume, can result from hyperproliferation, maturation disorders, hemolysis, or blood loss. Hypoproliferative anemias involve decreased red cell production, while maturation disorders present as microcytic or macrocytic anemias. Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed at an accelerated rate and can be hereditary or acquired. Polycythemia, on the other hand, is marked by increased red blood cell count and volume.

Laboratory evaluations, such as blood films, reticulocyte counts, and bone marrow examinations, are essential for diagnosing and classifying these disorders. Treatment approaches depend on the specific type of red blood cell disorder and may involve managing underlying conditions, addressing nutritional deficiencies, or providing supportive care.

Excerpt:

RED BLOOD CELL DISORDERS

• William Harvey- father of physiology, discovered blood circulated through the body in 1628. Blood is fluid connective tissue present in the circulatory system
• FLUID OF LIFE- because it carries oxygen from the lungs to all body parts and carbon dioxide from all parts of the body to the lungs.
• FLUID OF GROWTH- because it carries nutritive substances from the digestive system and hormones
  from the endocrine gland to all the tissues.
• FLUID OF HEALTH- because it protects the body against diseases and removes waste products and unwanted substances by transporting them to the excretory organ like a kidney.
• Erythrocytes or red blood cells are the non-nucleated formed elements in the blood. Red colour- due to hemoglobin

VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF RED BLOOD CELL DISORDERS
Physiological variations

A. Increase in RBC:
1. Age
2. Sex
3. High altitude
4. Muscular exercise
5. Emotional conditions
6. Increase environmental temperature
7. After meals

B. Decrease in RBC:
1. High barometric pressures
2. After sleep
3. Pregnancy