23104 - Clinical Pathology

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Docente: Davide Trerè
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: MED/05
  • Language: Italian
  • Moduli: Davide Trerè (Modulo 1) Lorenzo Montanaro (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Health Biology (cod. 9212)

    Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Health Biology (cod. 9212)

Learning outcomes

To allow the students to acquire the fundamental notions for a critical evaluation and interpretation of the results of the main clinical laboratory tests, including cytogenetics and molecular diagnosis.

Course contents

Module 1

- The blood composition. Plasma, serum and corpuscular component; complete blood count (CBC); morphological features of the various blood corpuscular components (2 hours).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of anemia. Diagnosis and classification of anemia; microcytic anemia (iron deficiency and thalassemia); normocytic anemia (decreased red blood cell production, acute blood loss, hemolytic disorders), megaloblastic anemia (vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency) (4 hours).

- Laboratory test for the diagnosis of coagulation disorders. Laboratory tests for the evaluation of platelet function and coagulation cascade; laboratory definition of the hypercoagulability disorders (4 hours).

- Serum proteins. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE); SPE patterns associated to specific diseases; acute phase reactants (APRs) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (2 hours).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of lipid disorders. Plasma lipoproteins and their metabolism; lipoproteins and atherosclerosis; quantitative and qualitative analysis of plasma lipoproteins (3 hours).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of diabetes. Classification of diabetes; metabolic effect of diabetes; laboratory tests for the diagnosis and for the follow-up of diabetic patients (3 hours).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of acid-base disorders. Respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis; blood gas analysis in the simple and complex disruptions of acid-base balance (2 hours).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of hepatic disorders. Bilirubin and urobilinogen; serum enzymes indicative of cytolysis and cholestasis; albumin/globulin ratio; coagulation factors (2 hours).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of renal system disorders. Urine analysis (physical, chemical and microscopic examination); urea, creatinine and uric acid; clearance tests; functional tests (2 hours).

Module 2

- Interpretation of laboratory tests (3 hours).

- Conventional (biochemical) approaches for the diagnosis of inherited disorders (3 hours).

- Molecular diagnostic approaches for the identification of known and unknown mutations (3 hours).

- Molecular diagnostic approaches based on DNA sequencing (automated sequencing, massive parallel sequencing) (3 hours).

- Laboratory diagnosis in common inherited disorders: cystic fibrosis, hemoglobinopathies, hemostasis disorders, triplet amplification disorders (X-fragile syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, Hungtintgon disease) (6 hours).

- Newborn screening test: principles and most common applications for phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyrodism, cystic fibrosis. Screening for multiple diseases (2 hours).

- Laboratory diagnostics for personalized medicine (precision medicine): principles and effects on appropriateness of treatment (2 hours).

- Molecular diagnostics on biological fluids (liquid biopsy): current applications and perspectives (2 hours).

Readings/Bibliography

The books reported below are not necessary for passing the exam but are strongly suggested for of the deepening of the topics dealt with the course and for a consultation following the achievement of the degree.

- Giorgio Federici: Medicina di Laboratorio. Terza edizione 2008, Mc Graw Hill libri Italia (Milano)

- Michael Laposata: Medicina di Laboratorio: la diagnosi di malattia nel laboratorio clinico. 2012, Piccin Nuova Libraria S.p.A. Padova.

- Italo Antonozzi e Elio Gulletta: Medicina di Laboratorio: Logica & Patologia Clinica. 2013, Piccin Nuova Libraria S.p.A. Padova.

Teaching methods

The teaching activity will be carried out through lectures; the frequency of the lessons is strongly recommended for the achievement of the teaching objectives and for passing the exam.

Assessment methods

The final examination aims to assess that the student has acquired the fundamental notions for a critical evaluation and interpretation of the results of the main clinical laboratory tests which characterize the following pathological conditions: anemia, coagulation disorders; lipid disorders; hepatic disorders, renal disorders; diabetes; acid-base disorders.

The final mark will be expressed in thirtieths and will represent the average of the marks obtained in the two modules. In cases of particularly brilliant exposure, the award will be given, with the agreed opinion of both teachers.

Teaching tools

The slides shown during the lessons are available at the Web site: https://iol.unibo.it/ Username e password are reserved to students of Bologna University.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Trerè

See the website of Lorenzo Montanaro