Haematological disorders
What is a Haematological Condition?
A haematological condition is a disorder caused by an abnormality in the formation, function, or maturation of red or white blood cells, or of the components that make up the clotting and immune systems. Haematological conditions can range from minor to life-threatening, and can involve a single or multiple organs and systems.
Types of Haematological Conditions
The most common and serious haematological disorders are:
- Haemophilia – a group of inherited disorders caused by the absence of one of the clotting factors that is necessary for normal clotting.
- Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) – an inherited blood disorder in which abnormal haemoglobin molecules form in the red blood cells, leading to their destruction.
- Thalassaemia – a group of inherited metabolic diseases characterised by a deficiency of haemoglobin production.
- Leukaemia – a group of cancers of the blood cells, in which the body produces an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells.
- Anaemia – a group of conditions characterised by an abnormally low haemoglobin level in the blood.
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) – a disorder in which the body fails to produce enough platelets, which are necessary for blood clotting.
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a type of cancer in which lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow abnormally and accumulate in the lymph nodes.
- Myelofibrosis – a disorder in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue, leading to an abnormal production of blood cells.
Symptoms of Haematological Conditions
Symptoms of haematological conditions vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Bruising or bleeding without injury
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headaches
Treatment for Haematological Conditions
Treatment for haematological conditions typically involves medications, blood transfusions, or other therapies, depending on the type of condition. In some cases, stem cell therapy may be used in an effort to replace diseased or damaged cells. More serious cases may require surgery or radiation therapy.