Track 8: Pediatric hematology

Meaning: Pediatric hematology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of blood disorders in children. Hematology, in general, deals with diseases related to the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic systems. In the pediatric context, the scope includes a wide range of conditions that affect children from infancy to adolescence.

Here are some key areas within pediatric hematology:

Common Conditions Treated in Pediatric Hematology

1. Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells. Common causes in children include iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia.

2. Sickle Cell Disease: A hereditary blood disorder where the red blood cells become abnormally shaped, leading to blockages in blood flow, pain episodes, and organ damage.

3. Hemophilia: A genetic disorder where blood doesn't clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding after injuries or surgery.

4. Thalassemia: A group of inherited blood disorders where the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin, leading to a shortage of red blood cells.

5. Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is one of the most common cancers in children, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) being the most prevalent.

6. Lymphomas: Cancers that start in the lymphatic system, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which can affect children.

7. Platelet Disorders: Conditions like immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and congenital platelet disorders can cause abnormal bleeding and bruising due to low platelet counts.

8. Bleeding Disorders: Apart from hemophilia, other clotting factor deficiencies like von Willebrand disease can cause abnormal bleeding or clotting.

Diagnostic Tools and Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A basic test to measure the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A procedure to obtain a sample of bone marrow to diagnose conditions like leukemia or other bone marrow disorders.
• Genetic Testing: Used to identify inherited conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and hemophilia.
• Coagulation Studies: Tests that evaluate how well blood clots, which is essential in diagnosing bleeding disorders.