The Blood 315
Common Disease, Disorder, or ConditionDisorders of The BloodHemophilia^
Hemophilia is a genetically inherited clotting disorder associated with the expression of
a recessive gene on the X chromosome inherited from the mother and passed down to
male children. During the Middle Ages, an Arab, Albucacus, first described and
recognized hemophilia as an inherited disease. Queen Victoria of England passed this
gene to several of her offspring who passed this on to royal families in England,
Germany, Spain, and Russia. Hemophilia A is the most common form of the disease,
whose main symptom is a tendency to hemorrhage following minor injuries. Other
symptoms include frequent nosebleeds, hematomas in muscles, and bloody urine.
Leukemia^
Leukemia is a type of cancer in which there is abnormal production of WBCs. These
cells lack normal immunologic capabilities, so that individuals with the disease are
susceptible to opportunistic infections. The excess production of leukocytes inter-feres
with normal RBC and platelet formation, which results in anemia and exces-sive
bleeding from minor injuries.
Anemia^
Anemia can be caused by four factors: decrease in the normal number of erythro-cytes,
a decrease of normal amounts of hemoglobin in the RBCs, a deficiency of normal
hemoglobin, or production of abnormal hemoglobin. Anemia reduces the amount of
oxygen that RBCs can transport resulting in a lack of energy, shortness of breath on
minor exertions, listlessness, pale skin, and a general feeling of fatigue. There are a
number of types of anemia.
Sickle-cell Anemia^
Sickle-cell anemia is a hereditary disease found mostly in African Americans and in-
dividuals of southern European ancestry. The erythrocytes have an abnormal sickle
shape with abnormal hemoglobin and cannot carry sufficient oxygen. Variations in-clude
severity resulting in death before age 30, to mild cases with no symptoms.
Iron-deficiency Anemia^
Iron-deficiency anemia results from vitamin B 12 deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, or
excessive iron loss from the body, resulting in lower than normal erythrocyte production.
Hemolytic Anemia^
Hemolytic anemia is an inherited condition in which erythrocytes rupture or are de-
stroyed at a faster rate than normal. It can also be caused by drugs, autoimmune
diseases, or snake venom.
Thalassemia^
Thalassemia (thal-ah-SEE-mee-ah) is a hereditary disease found in people of African,
Mediterranean, and Asian background. Hemoglobin production is suppressed and death
can occur by the age of 20. Mild cases produce a mild anemia.