Leukaemia in the Emergency Department

Author: John Wilson, David Quinn / Editor: Frances Balmer / Codes: / Published: 14/02/2022

Description:

Leukaemia is a rare disorder. Patients often present acutely and often via the emergency department.

This session outlines the pathophysiology of acute leukaemia, the first-line investigations and management, with a particular focus on scenarios likely to be encountered in the emergency department.

Learning objectives:

• Outline the pathophysiology and epidemiology of leukaemia.
• Recognise how patients with acute leukaemia may present to the emergency department.
• Arrange appropriate investigations within the emergency department.
• Recognise the complications of leukaemia and manage the initial stabilisation of these patients, whilst awaiting haematology input.

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