Anemia Description: Condition in which the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is reduced Many types of anemia Reduced numbers of RBCs or a decreased amount of hemoglobin Symptoms: Fatigue intolerant of cold – lack of O2 needed for ATP production pale skin – lack of red-colored hemoglobin circulating near surface Example: Iron-deficiency anemia – most prevalent – inadequate absorption of iron, excessive loss of iron, or insufficient intake. Most common in women. Treatment: Drugs may given to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood

Sickle Cell Disease Description: RBCs contain an abnormal version of hemoglobin (Hb-S) When Hb-S releases oxygen, it forms long rods that bend the erythrocyte into a sickle shape These sickle cells rupture easily Symptoms and Complications: Anemia Jaudice (abnormal yellowish discoloration of eyes, skin, and mucous membranes) Joint or bone pain Breathlessness & rapid heart rate Infections, organ damage, stroke Treatment: Can treat pain, symptoms, and complications Blood & marrow transplants

Sickle Cell Disease Blendspace video

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) Description: a problem that results from Rh incompatibility between a mother and her fetus a small amount of Rh+ blood leaks from the fetus through the placenta and into the mother’s bloodstream (mother is Rh-) mother’s immune system makes anti-Rh antibodies unlikely to harm first child, but if second child is Rh+, fetal RBCs can rupture – this is fatal Treatment: HDN is prevented by giving all Rh- women an injection of anti-Rh antibodies soon after delivery, miscarriage, or abortion. These bind and destroy an Rh antigens and prevent mother from making her own antibodies

Leukemia Description: a group of red bone marrow cancers in which abnormal white blood cells multiple uncontrollably too many cancerous WBCs in red bone marrow interferes with normal production of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is reduced cancerous WBCs can spread to lymph nodes and organs Symptoms usual anemia symptoms weight loss, fever, excessive bleeding, recurrent infections Treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation

Hemophilia Description: an inherited deficiency of clotting in which bleeding may occur spontaneously or after only minor trauma Symptoms internal or external bleeding episodes first symptoms are large bruises the first major sign is heavy bleeding from a minor dental procedure or accident severe complications may occur Treatment: Infusions of the deficient clotting factor Exercises for prevention – to strengthen the joints