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Bone Biopsy (Biopsy-Bone, Bone Lesion Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is a bone biopsy? A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. A bone biopsy is a procedure in which bone samples are removed (with a special biopsy needle or during surgery) to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. A bone biopsy involves the outer layers of bone, unlike a bone marrow biopsy, which involves the innermost part of the bone. There are two...

Bone Marrow Biopsy (Biopsy-Bone Marrow, Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is a bone marrow biopsy? In the center of most large bones there is a soft tissue (called bone marrow) that makes about 95 percent of the body's blood cells. The marrow is a network of tissue that contains immature blood cells in an organized structure. Red bone marrow is the active portion that produces red blood cells, while yellow bone marrow contains fat cells. In adults the red bone marrow is located ...

Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy) Procedure Overview What is a bone scan? A bone scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to examine the various bones of the skeleton to identify areas of physical and chemical changes in bone. A bone scan may also be used to follow the progress of treatment of certain conditions. A bone scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the bones. The radi...

Lumbar Puncture (LP) (Spinal Tap, Spinal Puncture, CSF Collection) Procedure Overview What is a lumbar puncture? A lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure performed by a physician. The procedure is performed by inserting a hollow needle into the subarachnoid space in the lumbar area (lower back) of the spinal column. The subarachnoid space is the canal in the spinal column that carries cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the brain and the spinal cord....

Managing Bone Marrow Suppression What is bone marrow suppression? Nearly all chemotherapy agents cause a reduction of blood cell counts. When this reduction occurs it varies, according to which agents are used for your child's treatment. Red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets that control bleeding are usually lowered with chemotherapy use. Risk for anemia, fatigue, infection, and bleeding are increased with bone marrow suppression. Common terms that you ...

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn What is hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)? Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn is also called erythroblastosis fetalis. This condition occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and baby. "hemolytic" means breaking down of red blood cells "erythroblastosis" refers to making of immature red blood cells "fetalis" refers to fetus What causes hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)? HDN most frequently occurs when an Rh negative mother has...

Overview of Blood What is blood? Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's: heart arteries veins capillaries Click Image to Enlarge What is the function of blood? Blood carries the following to the body tissues: nourishment electrolytes hormones vitamins antibodies heat oxygen Blood carries the following away from the body/tissues: waste matter carbon dioxide What are the components of blood? Human blood consists of about 22 percent solids and 78 percent water. The component...

Polycythemia What is polycythemia? Polycythemia is a condition in which there are too many red blood cells in the blood circulation. It is the opposite of anemia, which results from too few red blood cells in the blood circulation. Polycythemia is also called plethora. What causes polycythemia? Polycythemia may be caused by the following: increased red blood cell production: A fetus with chronically lowered oxygen levels responds by producing extra red blood cells. Some chromosomal abnormalities may cau...

Thrombocytopenia What is thrombocytopenia? Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which there are too few platelets - the cells produced in the bone marrow that are needed for clotting. What causes thrombocytopenia? Thrombocytopenia may be caused by infections in the fetus or newborn such as rubella, syphilis, and bacterial or viral infections. It can also develop when a mother's immune system produces antibodies against the baby's platelets. Some medications taken by the mother or given to the baby can cau...

Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn) What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding? Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a bleeding problem that occurs in a newborn during the first few days of life. VKDB was previously called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. What causes vitamin K deficiency bleeding? Babies are normally born with low levels of vitamin K, an essential factor in blood clotting. A deficiency in vitamin K is the main cause of VKDB. Who is affected by vitamin K d...

Alpha Thalassemia in Children What is alpha thalassemia? Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that affects the production of normal hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body). Thalassemia includes a number of different forms of anemia. The severity and type of anemia depends upon the number of genes that are affected. What causes alpha thalassemia? Alpha thalassemia is caused by mutations in the alpha chain of the hemoglobin molecule. Normally, there...

Anemia What is anemia? Anemia is a common blood disorder that occurs when there are fewer red blood cells than normal, or there is a low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. hemoglobin - the part of blood that distributes oxygen from the lungs to tissues in the body. hematocrit - the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells found in a specific volume of blood. Anemia is often a symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself. Anemia usually develops due to the presence of one of the follo...

Aplastic Anemia in Children What is aplastic anemia? Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces too few of all types of blood cells: red cells, white cells, and platelets. A reduced number of red blood cells causes the hemoglobin (a type of protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body) to drop. A reduced number of white blood cells causes the patient to be susceptible to infection. A reduced number of platelets can cause the blood not to clot as easily. What ca...

Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia) in Children What is beta thalassemia? Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that affects the production of normal hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body). Thalassemia includes a number of different forms of anemia. The severity and type of anemia depends upon the number of genes that are affected. Beta thalassemia is caused by mutations in the beta chain of the hemoglobin molecule. There is one beta chain gene on ...

Bleeding Disorders There are many different bleeding disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Hemophilia Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Glossary - Hematology and Blood Disorders in Children | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] acute - severe, sharp, begins quickly. acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) - a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood in which too many immature (not fully formed) lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are found in the bone marrow, blood, spleen, liver, and other organs. acute mye...

Hemolytic Anemia in Children What is hemolytic anemia? Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them. The term for destruction of red blood cells is "hemolysis." There are two types of hemolytic anemia: intrinsic - the destruction of the red blood cells due to a defect within the red blood cells themselves. Intrinsic hemolytic anemias are often inherited, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. These conditions produce red bloo...

Hemophilia What is hemophilia? Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding, or coagulation, disorder. Children with hemophilia lack the ability to stop bleeding because of the low levels, or complete absence, of specific proteins, called "factors," in their blood that are necessary for clotting. Proper clotting of blood helps prevent excessive bleeding. In the US, there are about 18,000 people with hemophilia. What are the different types of hemophilia? There are many factors in the blood that are involved in t...

High-Risk Newborn Blood Disorders There are many blood disorders that place a newborn at higher risk and require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Blood Blood Types in Pregnancy Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn) Hyperbilirubinemia and Jaundice Blood Glucose - Hypoglycemia Hypocalcemia Polycythemia Thrombocytopenia

Topic Index Overview of Blood and Blood Components Blood Donations and Blood Banking Blood Transfusions Blood Disorders Bleeding Disorders Leukemia Bone Marrow Transplant Glossary Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. It carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues. Because the functions of blood are many and complex, there are m...

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura What is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)? ITP is a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can result in easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. "Idiopathic" means the cause is unknown. "Thrombocytopenia" means a decreased number of platelets in the blood. "Purpura" refers to the purple discoloring of the skin, a...

Iron Deficiency Anemia What is iron deficiency anemia? The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin. Iron is mostly stored in the body in the hemoglobin. About 30 percent of iron is also stored as ferritin and hemosiderin in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver. What causes iron deficiency anemia? Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by: diets low in iron Iron is obtained from foods in our diet, however, only 1 mg of iron is absorbed for every 10 to 20 mg of iron i...

Leukemia What is leukemia? Leukemia is cancer of the blood and develops in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft, spongy center of certain bones that produces the three major blood cells: white blood cells to fight infection; red blood cells that carry oxygen; and platelets that help with blood clotting and stop bleeding. When a child has leukemia, the bone marrow, for an unknown reason, begins to make white blood cells that do not mature correctly, but continue to reproduce themselves. Normal, h...

Megaloblastic (Pernicious) Anemia in Children What is megaloblastic anemia? Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by very large red blood cells. In addition to the cells being large, the inner contents of each cell are not completely developed. This malformation causes the bone marrow to produce fewer cells, and sometimes the cells die earlier than the 120-day life expectancy. Instead of being round or disc-shaped, the red blood cells can be oval. What causes megaloblastic anemia? There...

Online Resources - Hematology and Blood Disorders in Children This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condi...

Overview of Blood and Blood Components Click Image to Enlarge What is blood? Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's: heart arteries veins capillaries What is the function of blood? Blood carries the following to the body tissues: nourishment electrolytes hormones vitamins antibodies heat oxygen Blood carries the following away from the body tissues: waste matter carbon dioxide What are the components of blood? Human blood consists of about 22 percent solids and 78 percent...

Pediatric Blood Disorders There are many types of blood disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Anemia Aplastic Anemia Hemolytic Anemia Iron Deficiency Anemia Megaloblastic (Pernicious) Anemia Sickle Cell Anemia Thalassemia Alpha Thalassemia Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia)

Sickle Cell Disease in Children What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body). Sickle cell disease involves the red blood cells, or hemoglobin, and their ability to carry oxygen. Normal hemoglobin cells are smooth, round, and flexible, like the letter "O," so they can move through the vessels in our bodies easily. Sickle cell hemoglobin cells are stiff and...

Thalassemia Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that affects the production of normal hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues in the body). Thalassemia includes a number of different forms of anemia. The severity and type of anemia depends upon the number of genes that are affected. This disorder is common in populations around the Mediterranean Sea, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The presenting signs and symptoms of all forms of thalassemia is anemia (a deficie...

Topic Index - Hematology and Blood Disorders in Children Hematology and Blood Disorders Home Overview of Blood and Blood Components Blood Donations and Blood Banking Blood Transfusions Blood Disorders Anemia Aplastic Anemia Hemolytic Anemia Iron Deficiency Anemia Megaloblastic (Pernicious) Anemia Sickle Cell Disease Thalassemia Alpha Thalassemia Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia) Bleeding Disorders Hemophilia Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Leukemia Bone Marrow Transplant Glossary

Blood Transfusions Why are blood transfusions performed? There are several different components of the blood that can be transfused into an adult. Red blood cells are the most common type of blood product transfusion. If your physician has decided you might need a transfusion of blood, or blood products, he/she will explain the reasons for the transfusion. There are several reasons why you may require a blood transfusion, including the following: a sudden loss of blood (sometimes as high as a quarter of...

Hodgkin Disease What is Hodgkin disease? Hodgkin disease is a type of lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009 about 8,510 new cases will be diagnosed. About 10 percent to 15 percent of cases are found in children 16 years old and teenagers. Hodgkin disease causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually making the body less able to fight infection. Hodgkin disease cells can also spread to other organs. What are the sympt...

Topic Index Facts About Blood Blood Donations / Blood Banking Blood Transfusions Bone Marrow Transplantation Hematology & Blood Disorders Glossary Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. It carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues. Because the functions of blood are many and complex, there are many disorders that require cl...

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura What is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)? ITP is a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can result in easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. "Idiopathic" means the cause is unknown. "Thrombocytopenia" means a decreased number of platelets in the blood. "Purpura" refers to the purple discoloring of the skin, a...

Leukemia Index There are several types of leukemias that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Leukemias Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Lymphomas There are many types of lymphomas that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Hodgkin Disease Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer in the lymphatic system. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 65, 980 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009. NHL is the third most common cancer in childhood. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually causing tumors to grow. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells can also spread to other organs. There are several types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which are ...

Online Resources - Hematology and Blood Disorders This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains lin...

Polycythemia Vera What is polycythemia vera? Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. The increase in blood cells makes the blood more viscous (thick), leading to strokes or tissue and organ damage. What causes polycythemia vera? Polycythemia vera is one type of myeloproliferative disorder (MPD). Bone marrow contains stem cells that have the ability to mature into adult blood cells that enter the circulation, including red...

Sickle Cell Disease What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body). Sickle cell disease involves the red blood cells, or hemoglobin, and their ability to carry oxygen. Normal hemoglobin cells are smooth, round, and flexible, like the letter "O," so they can move through the vessels in our bodies easily. Sickle cell hemoglobin cells are stiff and sticky, and...

Thalassemias Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that affects the production of normal hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues in the body). Thalassemia includes a number of different forms of anemia. The severity and type of anemia depends upon the number of genes that are affected. This disorder is common in populations around the Mediterranean Sea, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The presenting symptom for all forms of thalassemia is anemia (a deficiency of re...

Thrombocythemia What is thrombocythemia? Thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative disorder. It is characterized by the production of too many platelets in the bone marrow. Too many platelets make normal clotting of blood difficult. What causes thrombocythemia? There is no known cause for thrombocythemia. What are the symptoms of thrombocythemia? The following are the most common symptoms of thrombocythemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: increased bloo...

Thrombosis What is thrombosis? Thrombosis occurs when clots obstruct veins (blood vessels that carry blood from the body back into the heart) or arteries (blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body). Venous thrombosis is when the blood clot obstructs a vein, and arterial thrombosis is when the blood clot obstructs an artery. What causes thrombosis? Venous thrombosis may be the result of the following: disease or injury to the veins in the legs immobility for any reason fra...

Topic Index - Hematology and Blood Disorders Hematology & Blood Disorders Home Facts About Blood Blood Donations / Blood Banking Blood Transfusions Bone Marrow Transplantation Blood Disorders Anemias Overview of Anemia Aplastic Anemia Anemia of Folate Deficiency G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) Deficiency Hemolytic Anemia Iron-Deficiency Anemia Megaloblastic (Pernicious) Anemia Sickle Cell Disease Thalassemias Alpha Thalassemia Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia) Bleeding / Clotting Disorders...

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia What is acute lymphocytic leukemia? Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymph system. Normally, the lymphocytes fight infection. But, in ALL, the cells are immature and overabundant. They crowd out other blood cells, and may collect in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph tissue. Acute leukemia can occur over a short period of days to weeks. Chromo...

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia What is acute myelogenous leukemia? Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood usually in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in the bone marrow. Normally, bone marrow cells mature into several different types of blood cells. Acute myelogenous leukemia usually affects the young blood cells (called blasts) that develop into a type of white blood cell (called granulocytes). The main function of granulocytes is to destroy bacteria....

Alpha Thalassemia What is alpha thalassemia? Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that affects the production of normal hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body). Thalassemia includes a number of different forms of anemia. The severity and type of anemia depends upon the number of genes that are affected. What causes alpha thalassemia? Alpha thalassemia is caused by mutations in the alpha chain of the hemoglobin molecule. Normally, there are two alp...

Anemia of Folate Deficiency What is folate-deficiency anemia? Folate deficiency is the lack of folic acid (one of the B vitamins) in the blood, which can cause a type of anemia known as megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia. Folic acid is a B vitamin required for the production of normal red blood cells. What is megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia? Megaloblastic anemia, also called pernicious anemia, is a type of anemia characterized by very large red blood cells. In addition to the cells being large, the inn...

Anemias There are many types of anemias that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Anemia Aplastic Anemia Anemia of Folate Deficiency G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) Deficiency Hemolytic Anemia Iron-Deficiency Anemia Megaloblastic (Pernicious) Anemia Sickle Cell Disease

Aplastic Anemia What is aplastic anemia? Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces too few of all three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A reduced number of red blood cells causes hemoglobin to drop. A reduced number of white blood cells makes the patient susceptible to infection. And, a reduced number of platelets causes the blood not to clot as easily. What causes aplastic anemia? Aplastic anemia has multiple causes. Some of these causes are idiopathi...

Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia) What is beta thalassemia? Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that affects the production of normal hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body). Thalassemia includes a number of different forms of anemia. The severity and type of anemia depends upon the number of genes that are affected. Beta thalassemia is caused by mutations in the beta chain of the hemoglobin molecule. There is one beta chain gene on each #11 chr...

Bleeding / Clotting Disorders Blood clotting, or blood coagulation, is a complex process involving platelets, coagulation factors present in the blood and blood vessels. When bleeding occurs, the injured blood vessel responds by forming a platelet plug. If a large vessel is cut, it contracts (narrows) to limit bleeding, while the platelets rush to the site to form a plug. After this initial response, coagulation begins as a number of inactive factors in the plasma, called coagulation factors, are activa...

Blood Disorders There are many Hematology & Blood Disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. If you cannot find the information in which you are interested, please visit the Hematology & Blood Disorders Online Resources page in this website for an Internet/World Wide Web address that may contain additional information on that topic. Anemias Thalassemias Bleeding / Clott...

Blood Donations / Blood Banking What is blood banking? Blood banking is the process that takes place in the laboratory to ensure that donated blood, or blood products, are safe before they are used in blood transfusions and other medical procedures. Blood banking includes typing the blood for transfusion and testing for infectious diseases. Facts about blood banking: According to the American Association of Blood Banks: About 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day (2006). The number of blo...

Bone Marrow Transplantation What is a bone marrow transplantation? Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a special therapy for patients with certain cancers or other diseases. A bone marrow transplant involves taking cells that are normally found in the bone marrow (stem cells), filtering those cells, and giving them back either to the patient or to another person. The goal of BMT is to transfuse healthy bone marrow cells into a person after their own unhealthy bone marrow has been eliminated. Bone marro...

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia? Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymph system. Normally, most lymphocytes fight infection by making antibodies that attack harmful elements. But, in CLL, the cells are immature and overabundant. They crowd out other blood cells, and may collect in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph tissue. CLL is a slo...

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia What is chronic myelogenous leukemia? Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, build up in the bone marrow. Normally, bone marrow cells mature into several different types of blood cells. CML affects the young blood cells (called blasts) that develop into a type of white blood cell (called granulocytes). The main function of granulocytes is to destroy bacteria. The blasts, which do not mature and ...

Facts About Blood What is blood? Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's: heart arteries veins capillaries What is the function of blood? Blood carries the following to the body tissues: nourishment electrolytes hormones vitamins antibodies heat oxygen Blood carries the following away from the body tissues: waste matter carbon dioxide Click Image to Enlarge What are the components of blood? Human blood consists of about 22 percent solids and 78 percent water. The component...

G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) Deficiency What is G6PD deficiency? G6PD deficiency is the lack of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (an enzyme present in red blood cells) in the blood, which can cause a type of anemia known as hemolytic anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen in the body and G6PD protects these cells from natural oxygen chemicals that may build up when you have a fever or take certain medications. If there are too many of these chemicals, they can destroy the red blood cells, cau...

Glossary - Hematology and Blood Disorders | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] acute - severe; sharp; begins quickly. acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) - a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood in which too many immature (not fully formed) lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are found in the bone marrow, blood, spleen, liver, and other organs. acute myelogenous l...