ABP Pediatric Hematology-Oncology study guide
ABP Pediatric Hematology-Oncology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Subspecialty Certifying Examination is the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) assessment through which pediatricians in hematology-oncology earn subspecialty board certification. It is intended for physicians who have completed accredited pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship training (or who qualify through one of the ABP's non-standard or research pathways) and who already hold general pediatrics certification or are progressing through the ABP's admission requirements. The ABP Pediatric Hematology-Oncology study guide has 5 sections and about 1,935 words.
01Hematology: Red Cell Disorders, Anemias, Hemoglobinopathies, and Bone Marrow Failure
Every pediatric anemia question reduces to two: is the marrow responding (reticulocyte index), and is the red cell small, normal, or large (MCV with RDW)? A low reticulocyte count in an anemic child means a production problem - iron deficiency, thalassemia, marrow failure, or transient erythroblastopenia of childhood.
371 words, about 2 min02Hemostasis and Thrombosis: Coagulation, Platelets, and Antithrombotic Therapy
The PT measures the extrinsic and common pathway (factors VII, X, V, II, fibrinogen); the aPTT measures the intrinsic and common pathway (VIII, IX, XI, XII). A prolonged aPTT with a normal PT in a bleeding boy points to hemophilia A or B or von Willebrand disease.
363 words, about 2 min03Oncology: Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Solid Tumors
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy; presentation includes pallor, bruising, bone pain, and lymphadenopathy. Risk stratification uses age, white count, cytogenetics, and minimal residual disease after induction.
303 words, about 2 min04Transfusion Medicine and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Whole blood is separated into packed red cells, platelets, and plasma. Leukoreduction reduces febrile non-hemolytic reactions, alloimmunization, and cytomegalovirus transmission.
304 words, about 2 min05Supportive Care, Complications, and Oncologic Emergencies
Fever with an absolute neutrophil count under 500 defines this emergency. Obtain cultures and give empiric anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam therapy within 60 minutes; do not wait for results.
594 words, about 3 min