STEP 1 Content Outline

Hematopoietic and Lymphoreticular Systems


Normal processes

  • embryonic development, fetal maturation, and perinatal changes
  • organ structure and function
  • cell/tissue structure and function
    • production and function of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, O2 and CO2 transport, transport proteins
    • production and function of leukocytes and the lymphoreticular system
    • production and function of platelets
    • production and function of coagulation and fibrinolytic factors
  • repair, regeneration, and changes associated with stage of life

Abnormal processes

  • infectious, inflammatory, and immunologic disorders
    • infections of the blood, reticuloendothelial system, and lymphatics
    • allergic and anaphylactic reactions and other immunopathologic mechanisms
    • acquired disorders of immune deficiency
    • autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases (eg, Coombs positive hemolytic anemia, cryoglobulinemias, ITP)
    • anemia of chronic disease
    • transfusion complications, transplant rejection
  • traumatic and mechanical injury (eg, mechanical injury to erythrocytes, splenic rupture)
  • neoplastic disorders (eg, lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma)
  • metabolic and regulatory disorders, including acquired and congenital
    • anemias and cytopenias (eg, iron deficiency anemia, hemoglobinopathies, hereditary spherocytosis)
    • cythemia
    • hemorrhagic and hemostatic disorders (eg, coagulopathies, DIC)
    • bleeding secondary to platelet disorders (eg, von Willebrand)
  • vascular and endothelial disorders (eg, effects and complications of splenectomy, hypersplenism, TTP, hemolytic uremic syndrome)
  • systemic disorders affecting the hematopoietic and lymphoreticular system (eg, nutritional deficiencies, systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • idiopathic disorders

Principles of therapeutics

  • mechanisms of action, use, and adverse effects of drugs for treatment of disorders of the hematopoietic system
    • blood and blood products
    • treatment of anemia, drugs stimulating erythrocyte production (eg, erythropoietin)
    • drugs stimulating leukocyte production (eg, G-CSF, GM-CSF)
    • anticoagulants, thrombolytic drugs
    • antiplatelet drugs
    • antimicrobials (eg, antimalarials, anti-HIV)
    • antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drugs
    • drugs used to treat acquired disorders of immune responsiveness
  • other therapeutic modalities (eg, splenectomy, chelating agents, radiation therapy for lymphomas, plasmapheresis)

Gender, ethnic, and behavioral considerations affecting disease treatment and prevention, including psychosocial, cultural, occupational, and environmental

  • emotional and behavioral factors (eg, diet, depression and immune responses, “blood doping” among athletes)
  • influence on person, family, and society (eg, childhood leukemia)
  • occupational and other environmental risk factors (eg, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, lead)
  • gender and ethnic factors (eg, herbal treatments with bone marrow depression)