Hematology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and management of disorders affecting the cellular components of blood. These include disorders of the erythrocytes (red blood cells), such as all types of anemia; disorders of the platelets, such as thrombophilia; and disorders of the leukocytes (white blood cells), such as leukemia and lymphoma. The field is closely related to cancer research. In fact, the subspecialty dedicated to research, diagnosis and management of neoplastic blood disorders is called hematology-oncology.
For optimal comprehension, the student needs to be familiar with the basic physiology of hematopoiesis, especially the steps taken within the bone marrow to produce functioning blood components.
Assessment of a patient’s hematological profile occurs every day in clinical practice by examining a simple complete blood count (CBC). A competent healthcare provider must primarily be a very acute clinician in order to catch from the patient’s history and physical examination the key characteristics of blood disorders (e.g., tiredness and generalized pallor in anemia).
Learning objectives
After the completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Describe the histology and physiology of blood cells, including iron homeostasis, hemoglobin synthesis, and hemostasis mechanisms (incorporating platelet activation and coagulation cascade).
- Explain the epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiology of prevalent hematologic disorders affecting red cells, white cells, platelets, and humoral components.
- Identify key features of malignant hematologic disorders, including prognostic significance, and histological findings, with special attention to pediatric malignancies.
- Demonstrate proficiency in obtaining focused history and performing physical examination for hematologic conditions in adult patients.
- Describe the clinical presentation and key signs/symptoms of common hematologic disorders, including emergency presentations.
- Explain the diagnostic approach, including interpretation of CBC, blood smear, and bone marrow biopsy findings.
- Describe the management of hematologic disorders, including both initial and continued treatment.
- Explain the pharmacology (mechanism, indications, contraindications, adverse effects) of medications used in hematologic disorders.
- Identify and manage hematologic emergencies, including recognition of complications requiring immediate intervention.
Course outline
- Histology review
- Physical examination and diagnostic aids
- Red blood cell disorders
- White blood cell disorders
- Bleeding disorders
- Thrombosis
