07732 - Clinical Pathology (AK)

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. In particular, the student will learn to recognize and discuss the clinical meaning of laboratory data which characterize the following pathological conditions: acute and chronic inflammations; coagulation disorders; lipid disorders; hepatic disorders, renal disorders; diabetes; acid-base disorders.

Course contents

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

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

- Laboratory test for the diagnosis of coagulation disorders. Laboratory tests for the evaluation of platelet function, coagulation cascade and fibrinolytic system; laboratory definition of the hypercoagulability disorders. Diagnosis of DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation).

- 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.

- 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.

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

- 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.

Readings/Bibliography

- Marcello Ciaccio: Trattato di Biochimica Clinica e Medicina di Laboratorio. 2021, EdiSES Università S.r.l . - Napoli.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons for 16 hours (2 CFU)

Assessment methods

The final examination (oral exam) 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: acute and chronic inflammations; coagulation disorders; lipid disorders; hepatic disorders, renal disorders; diabetes; acid-base disorders.

The purpose of the oral exam is to verify the student's ability to apply knowledge and to make the required deductive reasoning and logic.

Grade point scale:

• preparation on very limited number of topics covered during the course and developing of analytical skills only with the assistance of the professor, using the proper language [https://context.reverso.net/traduzione/inglese-italiano/the+proper+language] → 18-19;
• preparation on limited number of topics covered during the course and analytical skills only on purely executive matters, using the proper language [https://context.reverso.net/traduzione/inglese-italiano/the+proper+language] → 20-24;
• preparation on large number of topics covered during the course, ability to make independent choices of critical thinking, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;
• exhaustive preparation on the topics covered during the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical thinking and connection, full mastery of specific terminology, argue and self-reflection skills → 30-30 cum laude.

The grade earned will then be considered in the overall context of the examination of the Integrated Course in “Metodologia Clinica e Sistematica Medico-chirurgica” taking into account the CFUs assigned to the individual subjects.

Teaching tools

The lecture materials presented in class will be made available to the student in electronic format on the “Virtual” platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ). Username e password are reserved to students of Bologna University.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Trerè