Diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs briefly. Diseases of the hematopoietic system

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The circulatory system is one of the main ones; it regulates all functions of our body.

Blood diseases have always been severe and difficult to treat. But today, the latest technologies and drugs help many patients cope with their ailments.

Basics

Since ancient times, legends have attributed mystical properties to human blood. Some still believe that a person's destiny is determined by their blood type. Blood has always symbolized the flow of life. The ancients believed that it could make the earth more fertile, since it contained grains of heavenly energy.

One of the functions of blood is transport. Various substances, such as oxygen, hormones, enzymes, are distributed throughout the body, supporting life processes. The heart of an adult can pump ten thousand liters of blood per day. In this case, one heartbeat pushes about 130 milligrams into the artery.

It is believed that blood in its chemical composition resembles sea water. It consists of a liquid part - plasma, containing mainly water (about 94%) with substances dissolved in it, and blood cells - red blood cells, leukocytes and blood platelets, or platelets.

Types of blood diseases

Based on its composition, it becomes clear why all blood diseases are classified into four categories, distinguished depending on the damage to the components - platelets, erythrocytes, plasma and leukocytes.

Blood diseases such as polycythemia and anemia are caused by abnormalities of red blood cells. Thrombocytopenia occurs due to an abnormality of platelets; leukemia and leukopenia are associated with a violation of the number of leukocytes.

Due to plasma abnormalities, a whole group of blood diseases arises, including hemophilia A and agammaglobulinemia. Radiation sickness also leads to blood diseases.

Anemia- one of the most common diseases associated with a decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood. The disease occurs for various reasons. This may be a decrease in hemoglobin levels or red blood cell production, in which the process of cell destruction goes beyond normal limits. Another reason is the loss of a large number of red blood cells due to severe bleeding.

Another blood disease - polycythemia, the manifestation of which is associated with an excessive level of red blood cells. The causes of polycythemia are unknown to scientists. The disease itself is characterized, in addition to an abnormal increase in the level of red blood cells, by an increase in the number of platelets and white blood cells.

Hemophilia- a hereditary disease associated with a violation of the blood clotting process. In this case, hemorrhages occur in the joints, muscles and internal organs, both spontaneously and as a result of injury or surgery.

Agammaglobulinemia is a hereditary deficiency of gamma globulins (serum plasma proteins) in the blood. It manifests itself as a tendency to bacterial diseases - otitis media, pneumonia, meningitis, pyoderma, etc. - and the development of septic conditions.

Leukemia, also known as “leukemia,” is not one disease, but a whole group of diseases that is associated with the transformation of blood cells into malignant formations. Despite the development of medicine, scientists cannot yet explain the cause of leukemia. During the acute form of leukemia, the disease is extremely severe and requires immediate medical intervention. The chronic form of leukemia is less life-threatening for the patient; the disease itself progresses slowly, and with the necessary therapy the patient can live for many years.

Alarming symptoms

How to recognize blood diseases in yourself? Often people with such diseases complain of fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart failure and loss of appetite. In case of acute bleeding, severe weakness and dizziness, even fainting, suddenly appear. Such complaints are usually manifestations of anemia.

Many blood diseases go hand in hand with fever. Low temperature is observed with anemia, moderate and high temperature occurs with leukemia. Patients also often complain of itchy skin and loss of appetite, accompanied by noticeable weight loss.

For B12-deficiency anemia, people feel a burning sensation on the tip of the tongue, and there is a perversion of taste - patients willingly eat chalk, earth and coal. The sense of smell also suffers: people experience pleasure from inhaling gasoline vapors and substances with an odor unpleasant to a healthy person.

With blood diseases, patients may complain of skin rashes, bleeding from the nose, gastrointestinal tract and lungs.

Pain in the bones occurs when pressing or tapping - such pain is usually accompanied by leukemia. Often, with blood diseases, the spleen is involved in the pathological process - pain occurs in the left hypochondrium, and if the liver is involved, in the right hypochondrium. Another warning symptom is enlarged and painful lymph nodes.

All of the above symptoms are a serious reason to consult a doctor for examination.

Treatment

Different blood diseases require specific approaches. In each case, the doctor determines his own methods of providing care to the patient.

Thus, treatment of patients with acute leukemia should begin immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis - in the absence of therapy, the disease develops very quickly. Therapy should be carried out in a hematology hospital with appropriate equipment.

The main treatment for acute leukemia is chemotherapy. In addition to it, a number of methods are used: transfusion of blood components, prevention of infectious complications, reduction of manifestations of intoxication and much more.

The latest technologies for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are used for a wide variety of blood diseases - lymphomas, multiple myeloma, leukemia. The stem cell transplant technique allows you to achieve excellent results. During treatment, the main cause of the disease is eliminated - diseased cells of the immune system that destroy healthy tissues of the body. The patient then undergoes a transplant of pre-harvested hematopoietic stem cells obtained from bone marrow or blood. After the introduction of stem cells, the patient's healthy immune system is restored. As a result, people who have not been helped by any medication experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Folk recipes to help you!

Despite the emergence of new drugs used to normalize blood composition, traditional methods of treating blood diseases are still widely used. Many of them have no side effects and do not affect the liver.

For example, for the treatment of anemia and leukemia, many folk recipes have been developed, the use of which can improve the condition of patients.

Root juice

You need to grate the radishes, carrots and beets, squeeze out the resulting juice and pour it into a transparent glass bottle in an equal volume. The bottle should be coated with regular dough, but not hermetically sealed, allowing the liquid infused in it to evaporate. After this, you need to turn on the oven on low heat, heat it up and put the bottle there for three hours so that the juice of the root vegetables warms up properly. The product can be used for anemia. The course of treatment is three months, the liquid is taken three times a day, a tablespoon before meals.

Miraculous rosehip

Rose hips help treat anemia. Five tablespoons of dry fruits should be crushed, poured with a liter of water and boiled over fire for about ten minutes. Then wrap the container with the liquid in a blanket and leave until the morning, and then drink warm or cold instead of tea. Rosehip infusion cleanses the circulatory system, helps with anemia, kidney and bladder diseases.

Antonovka and lard

Green apples of the Antonovka variety should be finely chopped and placed in unsalted lard. Mix the resulting mixture and place it in the oven over low heat to simmer. Then take twelve yolks of homemade eggs, grind with a glass of sugar until smooth, grate 400 grams of bitter dark chocolate into it using a fine grater. Mix the mixture with a mixture of apples baked in lard and refrigerate. The mixture should be taken daily before meals three times a day, spread on bread and washed down with milk. This remedy not only helps to quickly cure anemia, but also has a good effect on the condition of the lungs and even cures mild forms of tuberculosis. In a word, it allows you to bring a person out of an exhausted state.

Calamus root infused with cognac

This remedy helps with leukemia. You need to pour cognac into a mixture of 200 grams of calamus root and half a kilo of honey, mix and let the mixture brew for two weeks in a dark place. Take a tablespoon one hour before meals three times a day. The effect will be better if you drink the product with oregano herb tea.

Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs

HEMATOLOGY

Diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs are studied by the branch of internal medicine called hematology. The most common hematological diseases are anemia (anemia) and hemoblastosis - diseases of the hematopoietic tissue of a tumor nature. There are diseases caused by a violation of the blood coagulation system (hemostasis). These are various hemorrhagic diathesis - hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, etc.

In hematology, various highly informative research methods are used: trepanation bone marrow biopsy, biopsy of lymph nodes, spleen, liver, various immunological studies, chromosomal analysis, determination of various coagulation factors, cultivation of hematopoietic tissue, various methods of microscopic examination (contrast, electron, scanning microscopy), etc. Research is being carried out at the molecular level to decipher the mechanisms of occurrence of a number of hematological diseases. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to recognize some genetically determined blood diseases directly in the fetus.

The simplest methods of morphological examination of blood are also relevant, allowing in many cases to quickly make a correct diagnosis.

For clinical analysis, blood is usually taken from the fourth finger of the left hand after pre-treatment of the skin with a mixture of alcohol and ether. A puncture is made from the side into the flesh of the first phalanx to a depth of 2.5–3 mm with a scarifier needle. After a puncture, the blood should flow freely, since when strong pressure is applied to the finger to improve the release of blood, tissue fluid is mixed with it, and this reduces the accuracy of the study. The first drop of blood that appears is wiped off with a cotton swab.

A general clinical blood test includes determination of hemoglobin content, counting the number of red blood cells with subsequent calculation of the color index, counting the total number of leukocytes with an assessment of the leukocyte formula, counting the number of platelets, and determining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

To determine the level of hemoglobin in the blood, colorimetric and gasometric methods are used, as well as methods based on the analysis of the iron content in the hemoglobin molecule. In healthy people, the hemoglobin content in the blood ranges from 120–140 g/l for women, and 130–160 g/l for men.

The number of red blood cells is counted in special counting chambers. After preliminary dilution of the blood and determination of the number of red blood cells in 5 large squares of the chamber counting grid, they are recalculated to their content in 1 liter. The normal content of red blood cells in 1 liter of blood is: for women 3.9–4.7·1012, for men 4-5-1012.

When the number of red blood cells and the hemoglobin content in the blood are determined, the color index can be calculated, which reflects the degree of saturation of the red blood cell with hemoglobin. The color index is determined by dividing three times the number of grams of hemoglobin by the first three digits of the number of red blood cells. Normally, the color index is in the range of 0.85-1.05.

The content of leukocytes is also determined in a counting chamber after preliminary dilution of the blood. After counting their number in 100 large squares of the chamber counting grid, their total number in 1 liter of blood is determined by appropriate translation. Normally, the content of leukocytes in 1 liter of blood is 4.0–9.0-10 9 (4000–9000 in 1 µl). An increase in the number of leukocytes above the specified norm is called leukocytosis, a decrease is called leukopenia. The leukocyte formula is the percentage of individual forms of leukocytes in the blood. For an accurate assessment, after preparing a blood smear, at least 200 leukocytes are examined. Determination of the leukocyte formula is of great importance for the diagnosis of many diseases.

Examination of a blood smear allows one to detect various disturbances in the structure of erythrocytes (changes in shape, size, the appearance of not fully mature forms of erythrocytes, etc.), which plays an important role in the diagnosis of various anemias.

Counting the number of platelets may also be important for diagnosing a number of diseases. In some cases, a decrease in the number of platelets is the cause of increased bleeding.

Of great importance in recognizing many diseases is the determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which is performed by drawing blood into a special capillary with millimeter divisions applied to it. Then the capillary is placed strictly vertically in a stand and after an hour the ESR indicators are determined, which correspond to the height of the plasma column that has settled for an hour. The normal limits of ESR for men are 2-10 mm/h, for women 2-15 mm/h. An increase in ESR (sometimes up to 50–60 mm/h and higher) occurs during inflammatory processes, infections, malignant tumors and other diseases.

Widely used in the diagnosis of hematological diseases are the assessment of osmotic resistance (stability) of red blood cells, which characterizes their increased destruction (hemolysis), and the study of indicators of the blood coagulation system (blood clotting time, duration of bleeding, activity of various blood coagulation factors). These data make it possible to more accurately differentiate various forms of anemia, hemorrhagic diathesis, and hemoblastosis.

Anemia is a disease characterized by a decrease in the content of red blood cells and hemoglobin per unit volume of blood due to their general decrease in the body. The classification of anemias depending on their origin has become widespread. There are: posthemorrhagic anemias resulting from blood loss (acute or chronic); anemia that develops as a result of impaired blood formation and anemia caused by increased blood destruction (hemolytic). This classification is not entirely successful, since, for example, the most common form of anemia (iron deficiency) must be classified simultaneously into two groups, since due to iron deficiency, blood formation suffers, and the cause of iron deficiency is most often blood loss.

Anemia is also classified according to the degree of saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin (color index). There may be anemia with low (hypochromic), normal (normochromic) and high (hyperchromic) color index.

When classifying anemia, an assessment of the regenerative activity of the bone marrow is often used, i.e., its ability to produce young forms of red blood cells. Regenerative anemia occurs with the preserved ability of the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells; with hyporegenerative anemia, this ability is significantly reduced, and with aregenerative anemia, this ability disappears almost completely.

Acute posthemorrhagic anemia is most often caused by massive gastrointestinal bleeding (with peptic ulcers, malignant tumors of the stomach and colon), pulmonary bleeding (with tuberculosis, lung cancer), uterine bleeding and other causes of blood loss.

Among chronic anemias, the most common are iron deficiency and B 12 deficiency anemia. Repeated bleeding (gastrointestinal, uterine, etc.) often leads to the development of iron deficiency anemia.

Repeated, often hidden gastrointestinal bleeding is observed in peptic ulcers, stomach cancer, erosions of the stomach and duodenum, colon cancer, hemorrhoids and some other diseases.

Uterine bleeding in women can be caused by menstrual irregularities (heavy menstruation), fibroids, and malignant tumors of the uterus. Repeated pregnancies, if they occur at short intervals, also in some cases lead to iron deficiency. More rare causes of iron deficiency anemia are pulmonary hemorrhages, bleeding from the urinary tract, helminthic infestations (hookworm infection), impaired iron absorption, and iron deficiency in food.

Iron deficiency anemia belongs to the group of hypochromic anemias and is accompanied by a decrease in the color index to 0.6–0.8 and below. At the same time, the diameter of the red blood cells decreases (microcytosis), and irregularly shaped red blood cells appear (poikilocytosis). The regenerative activity of the bone marrow remains normal, in some cases it may even increase. Blood tests show a significant decrease in serum iron (normal serum iron levels range from 12.5-30.4 µmol/L, or 70-170 µg%). Since the cause of the development of iron deficiency anemia is often chronic blood loss, when examining such patients, additional laboratory and instrumental studies are usually performed to identify the source of bleeding (fecal occult blood analysis, X-ray examination of the stomach, gastroscopy, irrigoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, etc.). In case of uterine bleeding, they resort to diagnostic curettage of the uterus.

IN 12 -deficiency anemia (Addison-Birger anemia) refers to anemia caused by impaired blood formation; it is associated with a lack of vitamin B12 intake in the body. Previously, this anemia was called pernicious (malignant), since death often occurred due to imperfect treatment.

The main reason for the development of B 12 -deficiency anemia is caused by damage to the gastric mucosa with subsequent cessation of the secretion of hydrochloric acid, pepsin and the so-called internal Castle factor - a glycoprotein (gastromucoprotein) secreted by the parietal cells of the mucous membrane of the fundus of the stomach and necessary for the absorption of vitamin B 12 . Factors leading to damage to the gastric mucosa may be hereditary predisposition and autoimmune disorders. More rare causes of B 12 -deficiency anemia is a violation of its absorption due to intestinal damage, helminthic infestations with a wide tapeworm, which absorbs a lot of vitamin B 12 , extensive operations on the stomach and small intestine.

Due to vitamin B deficiency 12 the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow is disrupted, the hemoglobin content decreases to a lesser extent, so that the color index increases to 1.2–1.5. At the same time, the size of red blood cells increases (macrocytosis), their shape changes (poikilocytosis). The content of reticulocytes in the blood can be normal or reduced, it increases during treatment with vitamin B 12 .

The peculiarities of caring for such patients cause dysfunction of various organs and systems of the body. In particular, skin care plays an important role. Patients with anemia often experience dryness and cracks in the skin, changes in the nails are observed, which become thicker, sometimes even concave (spoon-shaped) and break easily.

Much attention should be paid to oral care, since anemia often causes cracks in the corners of the mouth, inflammatory changes in the oral mucosa (stomatitis), and pain in the tongue and its inflammation (glossitis).

Patients need to regularly measure their body temperature, which in patients with B 12 -deficiency anemia may increase during an exacerbation.

Patients suffering from Addison-Birmer anemia often show signs of damage to the peripheral nervous system: pain sensitivity is impaired, they cease to distinguish between hot and cold, and therefore great care is required when giving patients a heating pad or using other thermal procedures.

Patients with Addison-Biermer anemia also experience dysregulation of urinary function, which sometimes results in involuntary urination and urinary incontinence.

When caring for patients with anemia, special attention should be paid to monitoring the state of the cardiovascular system. You need to constantly monitor your heart rate and blood pressure levels. With anemia, there is usually a tendency to tachycardia and arterial hypotension. An increase in heart rate and a progressive drop in blood pressure (up to the development of shock and collapse) may be signs of heavy bleeding, which can suddenly occur or recur in patients with acute and chronic posthemorrhagic anemia. It is important to know well the clinical manifestations of bleeding, in particular gastrointestinal and pulmonary, and be able to distinguish them from each other.

When treating patients with anemia, proper nutrition plays an important role. It should be borne in mind that patients with iron deficiency anemia often experience a perversion of taste when patients willingly eat chalk, tooth powder, coal, raw cereals and other inedible substances. If you have iron deficiency anemia, your diet should include foods high in iron. However, you should not get carried away with excessive consumption of apples, buckwheat porridge, pomegranates, since the iron contained in these products, despite its large amount, is poorly absorbed. Iron contained in meat and meat products is better absorbed.

At B 12 - deficiency anemia does not require a special diet. Eating raw and lightly fried liver was once considered a mandatory recommendation, but is now considered unnecessary. Treatment of this anemia is quite effective, given the possibility of parenteral use of vitamin B preparations 12 . The same applies to iron deficiency anemia, which disappears relatively quickly when taking iron supplements.

It goes without saying that effective treatment of iron deficiency anemia is possible only by eliminating the source of blood loss.

Severe anemia due to massive blood loss may require an urgent blood transfusion.

BLOOD GROUP DETERMINATION

The indications for blood transfusion are determined by the doctor in each specific case; he is also responsible for the accuracy of determining the blood group. However, nurses must also be able to determine the patient's blood type and know the rules of blood transfusions. The blood type must be determined in patients with a high risk of bleeding (with peptic ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver), as well as in patients in intensive care units.

The relationship of a person’s blood to one group or another depends on the presence of certain antigens in erythrocytes. Since the antigens contained in red blood cells are quite diverse, they are combined into various systems, which in turn form their own specific variants of blood grouping - blood group AB0, blood group Rh, blood group MNSs, etc.

In clinical practice, the determination of ABO blood groups is widely used. Specific antigens of erythrocytes are designated in this system by the letters A and B. Group I erythrocytes do not contain these agglutinogens, and it is usually designated as 0/1. Erythrocytes of blood group II contain agglutinogen A, this blood group is designated as A (II). In people with blood group III, agglutinogen B is found in erythrocytes, and the blood group in these cases is designated as B(III). Finally, in people with blood group IV, agglutinogens A and B are detected in erythrocytes, and the blood group in such people is designated AB (IV).

In addition to agglutinogens, blood serum always contains antibodies (agglutinins) to the corresponding agglutinogens. So, are agglutinins found in people with blood type 0(1)? and?, in persons with A(P) blood group - agglutinin?; in the presence of B (III) blood group - agglutinin?; in cases where there is AB (IV) blood type, these agglutinins are absent.

If erythrocytes of a different blood group containing the corresponding agglutinogens are added to the serum of a certain blood group containing agglutinins, then the erythrocytes will stick together (agglutination reaction). An agglutination reaction will not occur if the red blood cells and serum are of the same blood group. Agglutination will also be absent if the erythrocytes added to the sera of different blood groups belong to the 0(1) blood group, since the erythrocytes of this blood group do not contain agglutinogens. The agglutination reaction will also not occur if red blood cells of different blood groups are added to the serum of the AB(IV) blood group, since the serum of the said blood group is devoid of agglutinins.

The rules for determining blood groups are based on these properties. Most often, standard sera of three blood groups are used: 0 ?? (I)Huh? (II), B? (III), if necessary, and blood group AB(IV) serum. The reaction is always performed with two series of sera (for control), and the same result should be obtained with sera from both series. The amount of standard serum that is taken to determine the blood group should be approximately 10 times the amount of blood tested.

On a dry and fat-free plate, previously divided into 6 sectors with the designations of the first three blood groups, one large drop of standard serum of each blood group (of both series) is applied, so that two rows of serum drops are formed in the following order: 0?? (I)Huh? (II), B? (III). The blood to be tested, taken from a finger or earlobe, is applied next to each drop of serum. The blood and serum of each group are then mixed with a clean glass rod, after which the plate is gently rocked. The results obtained (the presence or absence of agglutination) are noted after 5 minutes (but not later than the 10th minute).

If agglutination does not occur in any of the drops, this means that the blood being tested belongs to blood group 0(1). If agglutination occurred in drops with serum 0?? (I) and B? (III) blood groups, then the blood being tested belongs to group A (II). If agglutination occurred in drops with serum 0?? (I) and A? (II) blood groups, then the blood being tested belongs to group B (III). If agglutination occurs in all drops, this indicates that the blood belongs to the AB (IV) group. But, taking into account the possibility of false agglutination (pseudoagglutination), in such cases it is necessary to additionally test with AB(IV) blood group serum. The absence of agglutination will confirm the correctness of the blood group determination.

To eliminate pseudoagglutination, 1–2 drops of physiological solution can be added to the mixture obtained after the reaction. False agglutination will quickly disappear, while true agglutination will not change.

When determining blood groups, it is always necessary to pay attention to the expiration date of the sera used. Expiration of the expiration date may cause erroneous results.

RULES FOR BLOOD TRANSFUSION

Blood transfusions are performed in cases of massive blood loss, shock of various origins, and chronic severe anemia. In clinical practice, the most commonly used method is indirect blood transfusion. Direct blood transfusion (directly from the donor to the recipient) is used only for strict indications (for example, in case of severe disorders of the blood coagulation system).

When performing a blood transfusion, a strict sequence of actions is followed. First, be sure to check the bottle with donor blood - its tightness, correct certification, expiration date, absence of hemolysis of red blood cells, flakes, clots, sediment. Then the patient’s blood type is determined and the type of blood transfused is checked to eliminate possible errors in the initial determination.

Nowadays it is common practice to transfuse blood of the same group, which is also compatible with the Rh factor. But even if the blood groups of the patient and the donor match, individual incompatibility may occur. Therefore, before a blood transfusion, a test for individual compatibility is required: after receiving the patient’s serum, a large drop of it is mixed with a small drop of donor blood. Blood transfusion is started only in the absence of agglutination, otherwise donor blood is selected individually at blood transfusion points.

The first 10–15 ml of blood at the beginning of the transfusion is injected as a stream, then the blood transfusion is continued slowly for 3 minutes, at a rate of 20 drops per minute. This manipulation is repeated three times (biological test), after which, in the absence of symptoms of incompatibility (tachycardia, feeling of heat, lower back pain), the blood transfusion is continued.

Complications are possible with blood transfusion: pyrogenic reactions with chills, fever, headache, allergic reactions - itching, urticaria, sometimes anaphylactic shock, thrombosis and embolism. Transfusion of an incompatible blood group can lead to transfusion shock with the development of acute renal failure. Signs of such a complication include the appearance of a feeling of tightness in the chest, fever, pain in the lumbar region, and a drop in blood pressure. Transmission of pathogens of a number of infectious diseases is also possible, therefore all donor blood used for transfusion is tested for HIV infection.

HEMOBLASTOSES

Hemoblastoses are neoplasms of hematopoietic tissue. Hemoblastoses, in which the bone marrow is widely populated by tumor cells, are called leukemia. In cases of tumor cell proliferation outside the bone marrow, it is customary to speak of hematosarcomas. A more common disease from the group of hematosarcomas is lymphogranulomatosis, in which specific tumor damage to the lymph nodes, spleen and other organs is noted. Currently, in terms of prevalence, these diseases occupy 5-6th place among all tumors and 2nd place in terms of losses due to disability. Hemoblastoses often occur in children and adolescents, accounting for about 50% of all tumors.

Most scientists in assessing the origin of hemoblastoses adhere to the clone theory, believing that tumor cells are the offspring (clone) of changed (mutated) normal cells. Factors predisposing to the occurrence of hemoblastoses can be genetic changes, in particular chromosome damage, viruses, the action of a number of chemicals (for example, benzene) and ionizing radiation.

Hemoblastoses can be benign and malignant. The name is most often determined in accordance with the name of those blood cells and hematopoietic tissue that form the morphological characteristics of hemoblastoses.

Leukemia can be acute or chronic. In acute leukemia, changes in hematopoiesis affect poorly differentiated (“blast”) blood cells. In chronic leukemia, hematopoietic disorders occur due to more mature cells. Leukemia can occur with a significant increase in the number of pathological cells in the peripheral blood (leukemic form), with a moderate increase (subleukemic form), with normal (aleukemic form) or even reduced (leukopenic form) content of leukocytes in the blood.

Now the possibility of recovery of patients with lymphogranulomatosis and some forms of leukemia is quite real. With the introduction of new cytostatic drugs and programs for their use, remission periods and life expectancy of patients are significantly extended. But the often severe course of hemoblastosis with a tendency to develop various complications places great demands on the organization of care for such patients.

Patients with hematologic malignancies often experience fever, which can be low-grade (in chronic leukemia), but often proceeds according to the hectic type, with large temperature ranges, chills and heavy sweats. Such patients need appropriate care both during the period when the temperature rises and when it falls. Regular thermometry and systematic maintenance of a temperature sheet are of great importance. Some types of fever curve (for example, the wavy type of fever in lymphogranulomatosis) play a certain diagnostic role.

In patients with hematologic malignancies, especially those receiving high doses of cytostatic drugs, resistance to infection often decreases, i.e., so-called secondary immunodeficiency occurs. Patients become sensitive to the action of various microorganisms, and nosocomial infections spread easily among them, sometimes occurring at lightning speed and ending in death. Therefore, it is better to place patients with hemoblastoses in single and double wards, which it is advisable to regularly quartz.

Skin care requires attention. Due to skin itching (in chronic leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis), scratches and cracks may appear on the skin, and secondary pustular skin lesions may develop. Since many patients are forced to observe strict bed rest for a long time, it is necessary to promptly apply the entire range of measures to prevent bedsores. The development of bedsores is often facilitated by the progressive exhaustion of patients.

Patients often experience bleeding gums, loosening and loss of teeth, which necessitates careful oral care.

Constant monitoring of the state of the respiratory system is necessary, since bronchitis and pneumonia often occur in patients with hematological malignancies. In addition, they often exhibit signs of damage to the cardiovascular system, tachycardia, various heart rhythm disturbances, arterial hypotension (in patients with erythremia, on the contrary, arterial hypertension), which can lead to severe heart failure. Therefore, you should constantly monitor the level of blood pressure, respiratory rate and pulse, and the dynamics of edema.

Leukemia is characterized by a tendency to increased bleeding. Patients may experience severe gastrointestinal bleeding, which sometimes ends in death. Careful monitoring of patients allows for timely recognition of possible listed complications.

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Blood diseases are dangerous, widespread, the most severe of them are generally incurable and lead to death. Why is such an important system of the body as the circulatory system subject to pathologies? The reasons are very different, sometimes even beyond the control of the person, but accompanying him from birth.

Blood diseases

Blood diseases are numerous and varied in their origin. They are associated with pathology of the structure of blood cells or a violation of the functions they perform. Also, some diseases affect plasma - the liquid component in which cells are located. Blood diseases, a list, and the causes of their occurrence are carefully studied by doctors and scientists, some of which have not yet been determined.

Blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Erythrocytes - red blood cells - carry oxygen to the tissues of internal organs. Leukocytes - white blood cells - fight infections and foreign bodies that enter the body. Platelets are colorless cells responsible for clotting. Plasma is a viscous protein liquid that contains blood cells. Due to the serious functionality of the circulatory system, blood diseases are mostly dangerous and even difficult to cure.

Classification of diseases of the circulatory system

Blood diseases, the list of which is quite large, can be divided into groups according to their area of ​​distribution:

  • Anemia. A condition of pathologically low levels of hemoglobin (this is the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells).
  • Hemorrhagic diathesis - a clotting disorder.
  • Hemoblastosis (oncology associated with damage to blood cells, lymph nodes or bone marrow).
  • Other diseases that do not belong to the three above.

This classification is general; it divides diseases according to the principle of which cells are affected by pathological processes. Each group contains numerous blood diseases, a list of which is included in the International Classification of Diseases.

List of diseases affecting the blood

If you list all the blood diseases, the list will be huge. They differ in the reasons for their appearance in the body, the specifics of cell damage, symptoms and many other factors. Anemia is the most common pathology affecting red blood cells. Signs of anemia are a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. The reason for this may be reduced production or large blood loss. Hemoblastoses - most of this group of diseases is occupied by leukemia, or leukemia - blood cancer. As the disease progresses, blood cells transform into malignant tumors. The cause of the disease has not yet been clarified. Lymphoma is also an oncological disease; pathological processes occur in the lymphatic system, and leukocytes become malignant.

Myeloma is a blood cancer that affects the plasma. Hemorrhagic syndromes of this disease are associated with a clotting problem. They are mostly congenital, such as hemophilia. It manifests itself as hemorrhages in joints, muscles and internal organs. Agammaglobulinemia is a hereditary deficiency of serum plasma proteins. There are so-called systemic blood diseases, the list of which includes pathologies affecting individual systems of the body (immune, lymphatic) or the entire body as a whole.

Anemia

Let's look at the blood diseases associated with erythrocyte pathology (list). The most common types:

  • Thalassemia is a disorder of the rate of hemoglobin formation.
  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia - develops as a result of a viral infection, syphilis. Drug-induced non-autoimmune hemolytic anemia - due to poisoning with alcohol, snake venom, and toxic substances.
  • Iron deficiency anemia - occurs when there is a lack of iron in the body or with chronic blood loss.
  • B12 deficiency anemia. The reason is a lack of vitamin B12 due to insufficient dietary intake or impaired absorption. The result is a disturbance in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
  • Folate deficiency anemia - occurs due to a lack of folic acid.
  • Sickle cell anemia - red blood cells are shaped like a sickle, which is a serious hereditary pathology. The result is slow blood flow, jaundice.
  • Idiopathic aplastic anemia is the absence of tissue that reproduces blood cells. Possible due to irradiation.
  • Familial erythrocytosis is a hereditary disease characterized by an increase in the number of red blood cells.

Diseases of the hemoblastosis group

These are mainly cancers of the blood; the list of the most common includes types of leukemia. The latter, in turn, are divided into two types - acute (a large number of cancer cells, do not perform functions) and chronic (proceeds slowly, the functions of blood cells are performed).

Acute myeloblastic leukemia is a disorder in the division of bone marrow cells and their maturation. Depending on the nature of the disease, the following types of acute leukemia are distinguished:

  • without ripening;
  • with maturation;
  • promyelocytic;
  • myelomonoblastic;
  • monoblastic;
  • erythroblastic;
  • megakaryoblastic;
  • lymphoblastic T-cell;
  • lymphoblastic B-cell;
  • panmyeloid leukemia.

Chronic forms of leukemia:

  • myeloid leukemia;
  • erythromyelosis;
  • monocytic leukemia;
  • megakaryocytic leukemia.

The above chronic diseases are taken into account.

Letterer-Siwe disease is the proliferation of immune system cells in various organs; the origin of the disease is unknown.

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of diseases affecting the bone marrow, which include, for example,

Hemorrhagic syndromes

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an acquired disease characterized by the formation of blood clots.
  • Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is a congenital deficiency of clotting factor due to vitamin K deficiency.
  • Deficiency of substances that are found in the blood plasma, mainly these include proteins that ensure blood clotting. There are 13 types.
  • Idiopathic Characterized by discoloration of the skin due to internal bleeding. Associated with low platelet levels in the blood.

Damage to all blood cells

  • Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. A rare genetic disease. Caused by the destruction of blood cells by lymphocytes and macrophages. The pathological process occurs in different organs and tissues, resulting in damage to the skin, lungs, liver, spleen, and brain.
  • caused by infection.
  • Cytostatic disease. It manifests itself as the death of cells that are in the process of dividing.
  • Hypoplastic anemia is a decrease in the number of all blood cells. Associated with cell death in the bone marrow.

Infectious diseases

Blood diseases can be caused by infections that enter the body. What are the types of infectious blood diseases? List of the most common:

  • Malaria. Infection occurs during a mosquito bite. Microorganisms that penetrate the body infect red blood cells, which are destroyed as a result, thereby causing damage to internal organs, fever, and chills. Usually found in the tropics.
  • Sepsis - this term is used to refer to pathological processes in the blood, which are caused by the penetration of bacteria into the blood in large quantities. Sepsis occurs as a result of many diseases - diabetes, chronic diseases, diseases of internal organs, injuries and wounds. The best defense against sepsis is good immunity.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of blood diseases are fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of appetite, tachycardia. With anemia due to bleeding, dizziness, severe weakness, nausea, and fainting occur. If we talk about infectious blood diseases, the list of their symptoms is as follows: fever, chills, itchy skin, loss of appetite. With a long course of the disease, weight loss is observed. Sometimes there are cases of perverted taste and smell, as with B12 deficiency anemia, for example. There may be pain in the bones when pressed (with leukemia), enlarged lymph nodes, pain in the right or left hypochondrium (liver or spleen). In some cases, a skin rash and nosebleeds occur. In the early stages, blood diseases may not show any symptoms.

Treatment

Blood diseases develop very quickly, so treatment must begin immediately after diagnosis. Each disease has its own specific characteristics, so treatment is prescribed in each case differently. Treatment of oncological diseases such as leukemia is based on chemotherapy. Other methods of treatment are blood transfusions, reducing the effects of intoxication. In the treatment of blood cancers, stem cell transplants obtained from bone marrow or blood are used. This newest way to fight the disease helps restore the immune system and, if not overcome the disease, then at least prolong the patient’s life. If tests make it possible to determine which infectious blood diseases the patient has, the list of procedures is aimed primarily at eliminating the pathogen. This is where antibiotics come to the rescue.

Reasons

There are numerous blood diseases, the list is long. The reasons for their occurrence are different. For example, diseases associated with blood clotting problems are usually hereditary. They are diagnosed in young children. All blood, the list of which includes malaria, syphilis and other diseases, is transmitted through the carrier of the infection. This could be an insect or another person, a sexual partner. such as leukemia, have an unclear etiology. The cause of blood disease can also be irradiation, radioactive or toxic poisoning. Anemia can occur due to poor nutrition, which does not provide the body with the necessary elements and vitamins.

Diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs are a common cause of early death in children and adults. This is explained by the fact that pathological processes in plasma are difficult to treat, which is also very expensive. Timely therapy and preventive measures help reduce the risk of possible disability or death.

Blood diseases are very dangerous for humans

Classification of blood diseases

The pathogenesis of diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs is studied by the science of hematology (haematologia).

Depending on the etiology of occurrence and class, the main types of disorders are distinguished:

  • red blood cell diseases;
  • leukocyte pathologies;
  • platelet diseases;
  • incoagulability of blood - hemorrhagic diathesis.
Each group combines a large list of systemic and autoimmune diseases. In total, there are about 100 pathological abnormalities in the process of hematopoiesis.

Diseases caused by changes in red blood cells

Changes in the quantity or quality of red blood cells in plasma always indicate a deterioration in basic blood functions. An excess of such proteins () is rare; much more often people are faced with their deficiency ().

The main causes of anemia are:

  • bleeding of varying severity - large blood losses as a result of injury, surgery, or minor but frequent ones associated with nosebleeds, heavy periods, bleeding ulcers in the digestive system;
  • rapid breakdown of red blood cells due to their weak or deformed membrane;
  • disruptions in the metabolism of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which provokes increased production of echinocytes (aged red blood cells).

Abnormalities in red blood cells lead to disruption of the basic functions of such cells.

Against this background, dangerous diseases develop:

  1. Acute or chronic hemorrhagic anemia.
  2. Genetic anemia of a hemolytic nature - sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, spherocytosis, elliptocytosis, acanthocytosis.
  3. Acquired anemia as a result of autoimmune blood abnormalities, pathologies of small and medium vessels, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, malaria, hemolytic intoxication.
  4. Deficiency anemia.
  5. Porphyria (damage to cellular elements that take part in the formation of hemoglobin).
  6. Aplastic anemia (abnormalities in the bone marrow).

Blood cells in healthy blood and in anemia

A decrease in the amount of blood or anemia can be caused by increased consumption of hemoglobin. This occurs during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in athletes.

Regardless of the pathogenesis, the main symptoms of anemia are:

  • fatigue, constant weakness and frequent dizziness;
  • pale skin color;
  • rapid heartbeat, tinnitus;
  • deterioration of memory, performance, sleep disturbance;
  • the color of the lips and gums becomes light pink, the ears turn white (in children).

Anemia causes tinnitus

Rare blood diseases can occur when there is an increased production of red blood cells. Typically, the red process is not affected by malignant tumors, and all pathologies resulting from an increase in the number of blood cells have a benign course.

  1. Polycythemia (plethoric syndrome) - not only red blood cells, but also other cells (platelets, leukocytes) increase in the plasma. This increases the total blood volume.
  2. Erythremia is the increased production of only red blood cells.
  3. Vaquez's disease - affects all hematopoiesis, especially erythroid, and is a benign leukemia.

Polycythemia - increased number of blood cells

The following conditions are clear signs of diseases with an increased level of red blood cells:

  • redness of the skin on the face;
  • frequent hot flashes;
  • itching and burning throughout the body, which becomes more noticeable after a warm bath or shower;
  • painful attacks in the feet;
  • burning sensation in the phalanges of the upper limbs.

With an increase in red blood cells, redness appears on the skin

Violation of the quality and quantity of red blood cells in plasma already in the early stages manifests itself as unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to fight it.

Blood diseases associated with abnormalities in leukocytes

White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. This is an immune response in the form of proliferative inflammation to the penetration of infection or viruses into the body. Leukocytes are represented by 5 main forms - eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils. Disruption of the leukocyte branch of hematopoiesis is tumorous in nature and often causes cancer.

Changes in white cells can be provoked by reasons such as:

  • exposure to infections and viruses;
  • chemical poisoning;
  • defects in the sprout that are determined at the genetic level;
  • radiation exposure;
  • the influence of corticosteroids (provoke an increase in white cells).

As a result of exposure to external and internal factors, leukocytes either cease to be produced normally, which is why they are deficient (), or grow abnormally (leukocytosis). An increase in white blood cells may be caused by the release of immature or defective cells from the bone marrow.

Depending on the dysfunction of a certain type of leukocyte cell or their combination, specific diseases develop.

  1. Lymphocytopenia is a critical decrease in lymphocytes.
  2. Lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma or lymphogranulomatosis - intensive division of lymphocytes. The disease is accompanied by severe enlargement of lymph nodes simultaneously in several parts of the body.
  3. Neutropenia is a weak production of neutrophils.
  4. Neutrophilic leukocytosis is an uncontrolled increase in neutrophils in plasma.
  5. Infectious mononucleosis is an infectious blood disease caused by the herpes virus.

With lymphocytopenia, the number of leukocytes decreases

All leukemias and lymphomas are malignant and are oncohemological diseases that can manifest themselves in both children and adults. Based on the stage at which disturbances in leukocyte lineages began to develop, pathologies have an acute or chronic course.

The main symptoms of leukocyte damage are:

  • frequent headaches and joint pains, progressive discomfort in the bones (ossalgic syndrome);
  • bleeding gums, pain in the mouth, unpleasant odor;
  • feeling of weakness, fatigue, frequent chills and slight increase in body temperature;
  • memory impairment, decreased performance;
  • pain in the mouth and throat, which intensifies while eating and drinking liquids;
  • noticeable enlargement of lymph nodes.

Enlargement of lymph nodes occurs when lymphocytes decrease

With the development of lymphomas, the bone marrow is affected in the very last stages, when the process of metastasis begins. But leukemia provokes pathological changes at the beginning of the disease, since they produce a huge amount of blasts (uncharacteristic cells) in the blood.

Platelet diseases

Nuclear-free blood cells are responsible for normal blood consistency and prevent uncontrolled bleeding (form blood clots).

Deviations in the normal functioning of platelets are the following conditions:

  • defects (hereditary or acquired) in the structure of cells that interfere with their normal functioning (thrombocytopathy);
  • critical decrease in anucleate cells (thrombocytopenia);
  • increased production of platelets (thrombocytosis).

The most common is thrombocytopenia, which is characterized by a decrease in platelet production or their rapid destruction.

A similar pathogenesis is inherent in the following diseases:

  1. Alloimmune purpura of newborns.
  2. Vascular pseudohemophilia.
  3. Werlhof's disease (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura).
  4. Transimmune purpura of newborns.
  5. Evans syndrome.

Allergic vasculitis is characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets

Often, low platelet production is accompanied by defects in their structures and a decrease in their functions. In this case, the development of pathological syndromes (TAR, Bernard-Soulier, May-Hegglin, Chidak-Higashi) and diseases (Wiscot-Aldrich, von Willebrand, Hermansky-Pudlak, Glanzmann thromblastasthenia) is possible.

Clear signs of platelet diseases are:

  • hemorrhages under the skin - bruises or ecchymosis;
  • bleeding from the gums when brushing your teeth;
  • red spots on the skin (purpura or subcutaneous hemorrhages);
  • small flat blood spots on the lower extremities (petechiae);
  • frequent nosebleeds, heavy periods.

Platelet diseases cause bleeding under the skin

Impaired platelet function can cause spontaneous, profuse internal or external bleeding. Therefore, it is important not to ignore unpleasant symptoms, but to immediately go to the hospital when they appear.

Hemorrhagic diathesis

Negative abnormalities in blood clotting provoke the development of a whole list of diseases combined into one group - hemorrhagic diathesis. The main feature of such pathologies is the increased tendency of a person to experience heavy blood loss.

The most common provoking factors of non-coagulation are:

  • genetic defects in the structural elements of hematopoiesis that are inherited (congenital abnormalities);
  • violation of the integrity of the walls of blood vessels, which occurred as a result of the development of concomitant diseases (acquired hemorrhagic diathesis);
  • changes in platelet hemostasis (increase or decrease in platelets, defects in cell membranes).

Blood diseases that are included in the group of hemorrhagic diathesis:

  1. Hemophilia (only affects males). Characteristic features are spontaneous hemorrhages into soft tissues (joints, muscles), the development of large hematomas on the body.
  2. Hemangiomas (benign tumors).
  3. Hemorrhagic vasculitis.
  4. Syndromes (Kasabach-Merritt, Gasser, Louis-Bar).
  5. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
  6. Acquired coagulopathies – afibrinogenemia, fibrinolytic bleeding.

Problems with blood clotting are manifested by various rashes on the body, which in severe forms can transform into ulcerative lesions.

Associated signs of hemorrhagic diathesis are:

  • nausea, pain in the abdominal area;
  • vomiting with blood;
  • bruises and hematomas throughout the body;
  • regular bleeding from the nose, mouth, and digestive tract;
  • dizziness, migraines, weakness;
  • pallor of the skin.

Anemia is characterized by frequent nosebleeds

A patient with blood pathologies may suffer from several manifestations of the disease or experience them together. It all depends on the stage and type of specific disease.

Which doctor should I contact?

If a person develops hematomas and bruises all over the body, has a high temperature for a long time, has enlarged lymph nodes, has extremely pale skin, or has a tendency to bleed, you should immediately consult a doctor. Involved in the primary diagnosis of pathological blood processes, as well as their treatment. The specialist helps to find the cause of the disease, select adequate therapy and subsequent prevention.

Diagnostics

To determine the blood disease that led to the deterioration of the patient’s condition, a specialist may prescribe instrumental and laboratory research methods.

To do this, a person needs to submit biological material and undergo hardware monitoring:

  1. – the state of all hematopoietic cells is studied.
  2. – study of blood clotting markers.
  3. Histology and biopsy of lymph nodes - identifying the pathogenesis of negative processes.
  4. Morphological examination of the bone marrow in combination with sternal puncture - studying the activity of hematopoietic germs and identifying malignant tumors in tissues.
  5. Computed tomography – monitoring of internal organs and identifying destructive processes in them.
  6. Ultrasound – used to examine the lymph nodes and organs of the abdominal cavity.

A blood test is performed to determine the status of blood cells

A comprehensive examination allows you to accurately diagnose and make a prognosis for the disease. This will help orient the person to the upcoming treatment and select the most effective therapy.

Treatment

The fight against blood diseases is a long process that requires an integrated approach. During treatment, conservative methods or surgical intervention can be used (depending on the type of pathology and the degree of neglect).

Medicines

The main goal of drug therapy is to improve the patient’s condition and restore normal blood functioning. Depending on the type of disease and its severity, the doctor selects individual treatment for a specific pathology.

There is no universal method for all blood diseases, but there are the most commonly used groups of drugs that are used in one case or another:

  1. Anticoagulants – Aspirin Cardio, Plogrel, Streptase, Aspigrel.
  2. Hemostatic drugs – Aminocaproic acid, Immunat, Aprotex, Vikasol, Tranexam.
  3. Antianemic agents – Askofol, Hemofer, Folic acid, Iron gluconate 300, Heferol.
  4. Plasma replacement solutions – Serum Albumin, Aminocrovin, Peripheral Kabiven, Poliglyukin.

Immunat is a hemostatic drug

The dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the doctor. Treatment usually occurs on an outpatient basis, with the exception of severe tumor pathologies of the blood, when hospitalization is vitally necessary.

Non-drug treatment

Dangerous pathologies of the hematopoietic systems (leukemia, lymphoma) do not respond to conservative therapy.

To combat malignant tumors, effective methods are used such as:

  • bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation;
  • chemotherapy;
  • transfusion of blood components.
The goal of this treatment is to eliminate pathogenic cells of the immune system and prevent the destruction of healthy tissue.

Blood transfusions are used to fight cancer

Possible complications

Blood diseases are dangerous because of their consequences, which do not depend on whether treatment is started on time or not. Pathological processes can greatly affect a person’s ability to work, lead to disability or cause death.

The most common complications include:

  • anemia as a result of excessive blood loss;
  • sepsis that develops against a background of weakened immunity after chemotherapy or long-term use of medications;
  • increased susceptibility to infectious and viral diseases;
  • development of concomitant diseases of internal organs (heart, blood vessels, liver, stomach);
  • the appearance of hemorrhagic syndrome - a tendency to blood loss (develops against the background of advanced anemia).

Blood diseases negatively affect the cardiovascular system

Long-term untreated blood pathologies can develop into chronic forms of the disease. This condition is more difficult to treat and can greatly affect the patient’s quality of life.

Prevention of blood diseases

You can prevent the development of serious diseases if you lead a healthy lifestyle and try to avoid the influence of negative factors.

  1. See a doctor promptly if you repeatedly experience deterioration in your health for no apparent reason.
  2. Avoid helminthic infestations and infectious diseases.
  3. Watch your diet - take vitamins regularly. The diet should be complete, but without junk food.
  4. Minimize the use of chemicals in everyday life. Limit contact with paint products, benzene and heavy metals as much as possible.
  5. Avoid stress and emotional distress. Rest more, normalize sleep.

Eat healthy foods to avoid blood diseases

In order to prevent blood diseases and to strengthen the body, it is recommended to spend more time in the fresh air, engage in moderate physical activity, and avoid hypothermia or overheating.

Pathological changes in the blood and hematopoietic organs are insidious. Serious diseases can affect all age categories of people, be hereditary or acquired as a result of concomitant disorders in the body, and also be benign and malignant. To prevent serious complications, it is important not to ignore symptoms, but to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Blood diseases are associated with various disturbances in the number of formed elements, their structure, size or properties of plasma. In medicine, the term “systemic blood diseases” is more commonly accepted. It represents a broader concept and includes the pathology of organs that produce red blood cells, platelets and leukocytes (bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen).

Population Prevalence

In terms of the number of patients, blood diseases are not included in the “15 diseases” defined by the World Health Organization as the most common in the world.

But in Russia, statistics indicate very disappointing figures: compared to 1990, the incidence of diseases of the blood system in the population has increased 3.6 times.

This has caused the need to develop hematological research, search for means to combat pathology, further expand the number of specialized beds in specialized hospitals, and train doctors of all specialties.

Primary care physicians are required to know what clinical manifestations are associated with pathologies of the blood and hematopoietic organs in order to promptly refer the patient to a hematologist.

The lower blue line shows a graph of the growth of blood diseases by year

Reasons

Many reasons leading to changes in the blood have been studied. But even more mysteries remain. Scientists believe that they have the right to point out risk factors in such cases.

  • acute and chronic blood loss lead to disturbances in blood formation and increased cell breakdown in anemia;
  • mutations of the human genome under the influence of chemicals (cytostatics, antibiotics, industrial poisons), radioactive radiation;
  • hereditary transmission of predisposition to the disease occurs in families where blood diseases occur in children;
  • HIV infection and Epstein-Barr virus.

It is impossible to unambiguously associate any of the reasons with the disease of a particular person. Only a combination of disadvantages in life situations can lead to illness.

Classifications

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) identifies more than 90 nosological units for blood diseases.

A simplified clinical classification identifies 4 groups of diseases associated with one leading pathological process:

  • anemia - defined as a condition with a reduced level of hemoglobin;
  • hemorrhagic diathesis - all diseases with impaired coagulation;
  • hemoblastosis - tumor diseases of cell sprouts from the bone marrow and lymph nodes;
  • a group of other pathological manifestations.

Each group is further subdivided into many subtypes, depending on the clinical course, damage to specific blast cells, and the leading causes of the disease.

For information about blood diseases, it is important to take into account the primary signs of the disease. Therefore, in practice, a syndromic classification with the identification of leading symptom complexes is more suitable. All symptoms in it can be divided into general and local, which characterize lesions of a specific hematopoietic organ. Many diseases have the same patient complaints and similar clinical manifestations.

Diseases with anemic syndrome

The group includes all types of anemia associated with a decrease in hemoglobin content, impaired transport and absorption of oxygen and the development of tissue hypoxia (oxygen starvation).

Symptoms:

  • persistent headaches;
  • dizziness, fainting;
  • sensation of “tinnitus”;
  • dyspnea;
  • tachycardia and stabbing pain in the heart area;
  • “darkening or flickering spots” in the eyes;
  • increased fatigue;
  • decreased memory;
  • irritability, insomnia.

In older people, even with a moderate decrease in hemoglobin, heart failure occurs.

Specific symptoms of a particular type of anemia are not included here (perverted taste in iron deficiency anemia, yellowness of the skin and sclera in hemolytic or hemorrhage, in hypoplastic anemia).

Diseases with manifestation of ulcerative-necrotic changes

Ulcerative-necrotic lesions are possible with a significant decrease or disappearance of the granulocytic lineage of the blood, leukemia.
Symptoms:

  • sore throat;
  • impaired swallowing process due to severe pain;
  • salivation;
  • attacks of abdominal pain, bloating;
  • diarrhea;
  • bad breath;
  • pain in the anus.

Upon examination, ulcers are found in the oral cavity (stomatitis), on the mucous membrane of the pharynx (angina), during esophagoscopy - in the esophagus, and during colonoscopy - in the intestines.


This is what stomatitis looks like

Diseases with hemorrhagic changes

The syndrome is caused by a decrease in the total number of platelets or their impaired function, increased permeability of the vascular wall, and increased consumption of fibrinogen and platelets during the coagulation process. Characteristic of thrombocytopenic purpura, hemophilia, aplastic anemia, hemorrhagic vasculitis.

Symptoms:

  • hemorrhages in the skin, mucous membranes (sclera of the eyes), muscles, joints, injection sites;
  • bleeding and bleeding from the nose, gums, intestines, heavy menstruation.

Diseases with enlarged lymph nodes

The syndrome is called lymphadenopathic. Accompanied by the proliferation of lymph node tissue, compression of neighboring vessels and organs. Depending on the location of the enlarged nodes, symptoms appear:

  • shortness of breath and dry cough (mediastinal lymph nodes);
  • “overflowing” of the intestines, bloating, stool disorders (retroperitoneal and mesenteric nodes).


This is what enlarged lymph nodes in the neck look like

Diseases with increased body temperature

The causes of fever in blood pathologies lie in the specific pyrogenic effect of the breakdown products of blood cells and tissues during the ulcerative process. Develops with hemoblastosis, lymphosarcoma.

Symptoms: prolonged increase in body temperature, sweating, chills.

Diseases with severe intoxication

Intoxication manifests itself in different ways in blood pathologies:

  • general weakness - in any form caused by anemia and cell destruction (anemia, leukemia);
  • itching of the skin - due to the release of histamine from blood cells, increased levels of basophils (lymphogranulomatosis, myeloid leukemia), impaired microcirculation in the skin (erythremia);
  • lack of appetite, weight loss - with malignant lymphomas.


Symptoms of fever and intoxication in some diseases appear during the day, in others - at night

Diseases with pain in joints and bones

Such a sign as osteoarthropathic syndrome is associated with inflammation of the joints, hemorrhage into the joint capsule, and the growth of tumor tissue into bone tissue.

Symptoms:

  • pain in the spine, ribs, iliac bones, skull, less often in the tubular bones of the extremities (myeloma), often independent of anything, intensified by beating;
  • radicular radiculitis pain (with lymphogranulomatosis, multiple myeloma) due to germination into nerve trunks;
  • joint pain (hemolytic anemia, lymphogranulomatosis, hemophilia);
  • swelling and redness of the joints, dysfunction.

Immunodeficiency diseases

A decrease in immunity occurs when there is a deficiency of cells, the production of antibodies to one’s own tissues. The condition is manifested by frequent colds, complicated by infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Any small wounds on the skin lead to suppuration. In the kidneys, inflammation causes pyelonephritis, and an autoimmune process causes glomerulonephritis.

Diseases with impaired plasma protein levels

Symptoms:

  • frequent headaches;
  • memory loss;
  • numbness and pain in the limbs;
  • increased bleeding of the gums, tongue, nose;
  • increased blood pressure;
  • decreased vision.

Diseases with enlargement of the liver and spleen

The pathology is called hepato-splenomegaly. Develops in infectious mononucleosis, autoimmune hemolytic, sickle cell and B 12 deficiency anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute leukemia, chronic lympho- and myeloid leukemia.

Characterized by symptoms:

  • heaviness or pain in the upper abdomen;
  • abdominal enlargement;
  • increasing weakness;
  • in later stages, yellowness of the skin.

Other syndromes are less common. Sometimes a blood reaction is caused by the presence of a chronic disease. To identify this at the first manifestations, the patient is asked to undergo a full examination.

How to prevent blood diseases

For prevention, you need to try to avoid all harmful factors:

  • treat any diseases and conditions accompanied by bleeding;
  • take seriously the manifestations and treatment of helminthic infestations in children and adults;
  • complete treatment of acute infections;
  • Take enough vitamins and minerals with food every day;
  • control the radiation dose during x-ray examination, avoid staying near radiation sources;
  • reduce contact, use mandatory protective equipment when working with paints, benzene, lead salts, pesticides and other hazardous substances;
  • strengthen immunity;
  • do not expose yourself to hypothermia or overheating;
  • learn to cope with stressful situations with minimal losses.

These measures normalize the process of hematopoiesis and help maintain health and ability to work.