Ask Hematologist | Understand Hematology
Everything you need to know about blood disorders
Systemic Mastocytosis (SM): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management: Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) is a rare, complex hematologic neoplasm characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of atypical mast cells in various internal tissues and organs, most commonly the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and GI tract. This chronic condition primarily affects adults. Because signs and symptoms, such as urticaria pigmentosa and anaphylaxis, vary widely based […]
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Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes Syndrome, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) that promote abnormal blood clot formation (thrombosis) in both arterial and venous circulation. APS may occur as a primary condition or develop secondary to other autoimmune diseases, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Clinically, patients may present with deep vein […]
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Tumor immunology is the study of how the immune system interacts with cancer cells, focusing on the mechanisms by which tumors develop, evade immune detection, and resist destruction. Understanding the tumor microenvironment, immune checkpoints, and tumor-associated antigens is essential in both hematology and oncology, as these insights drive the development of advanced immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, […]
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What is Plasmapheresis? Plasmapheresis, also known as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), is a medical procedure that involves removing a patient’s plasma and replacing it with a substitute such as saline, albumin, or donor plasma. The process separates plasma from blood cells using a centrifuge or membrane filtration system, allowing the selective removal of pathogenic antibodies, immune complexes, and toxins. Plasmapheresis […]
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Introduction: Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), also known as hemophagocytosis, is a rare but life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome caused by uncontrolled activation of the immune system. It results from defects in natural killer (NK) cell and cytotoxic T-cell regulation, leading to excessive cytokine release and accumulation of activated macrophages and lymphocytes in multiple organs. These overactive immune cells can attack the body’s own […]
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An important part of the immune system is its ability to tell between normal cells in the body and those it sees as “foreign”. This lets the immune system attack the foreign cells while leaving the normal cells alone. Unfortunately, immune system doesn’t always recognize cancer as a threat. Immune system uses “checkpoints” – molecules on certain immune cells that need […]
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Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) caused by the presence of cold-reactive autoantibodies (cold agglutinins) that target red blood cells at temperatures below 30°C (86°F). These autoantibodies lead to red blood cell agglutination, complement activation, and subsequent immune-mediated hemolysis, especially in peripheral body areas exposed to cold. CAD accounts for approximately 15% of all autoimmune […]
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Cryoglobulins are single or mixed immunoglobulins which precipitate when they are exposed to cold and dissolve when warmed. They may be present in small quantities in the blood of some healthy people but are most frequently associated with abnormal protein production in a variety of diseases and conditions. Precipitated cryoglobulins can slow the flow of blood and block small blood vessels. This should […]
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