1 explain the significance of blast cells in the peripheral

Solution

Answer:

1. Immature white blood cells such as blast cells can be seen on the blood smear in cases of leukemia myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative neoplasm.

2. Hypermetabolic state deprives cells of nutrients and causes loss of appetite, weight loss, general fatigue, and muscle atrophy.

3. Tumor lysis syndrome is a specific side effect of leukemia therapy. It occurs when there is a rapid breakdown of leukemia cells caused by chemotherapy drugs. The cells split apart followed by release of cell fragments, metabolic byproducts, and minerals into the bloodstream. These substances can damage the kidneys, heart, and nervous system.

Physicians often monitor acute leukemia patients for this syndrome. They may prescribe extra fluids, sodium bicarbonate, and allopurinol (drug used to reduce uric acid in the blood) to rid the body of unwanted chemicals and cell remains.

4. Possible effects if leukemic cells infiltrate the brain:

(a) Meningeal disease - Leukemic meningitis were represented by increased intracranial pressure, including headache, nausea and vomiting, irritability, lethargy, and papilledema

(b) Intracranial masses - Chloromais (granulocytic sarcoma or myeloblastoma) is a rare solid tumor composed of primitive precursors of the granulocytic series that include myeloblasts, promyelocytes, and myelocytes.

(c) Cerebrovascular complications: Hematologic cerebrovascular events are among the most severe of CNS complications in patients with acute leukemia and contribute to the morbidity and mortality of the disease.

5. The rapid proliferation of leukemic cells in the bone marrow suppresses the production of other normal cells, leading to anaemia and lack of functional leukocytes. The crowding of the bone marrow causes severe pain due to pressure on the nerves in the rigid bone and stretching of the periosteum.