Question
How do I rate a patient with chronic myelocytic leukemia, and what are the differences between doing this with the Fourth and Fifth Editions? He has a history of benzene exposure, and the work-relatedness of this disorder has been accepted. He is anemic (requiring periodic transfusion), has a low white blood cell count (with associated problems with infections, requiring continuous use of antibiotics); and has a low platelet count (however, he has not had any bleeding and does not require platelet transfusions).
Answer
Section 9.1, Principles of Assessment outlines the process of interpreting symptoms and signs. Table 9-1, Functional Classification of Hematologic System Disease (5th ed, 92), presents four classes (I-none, II-minimal, III-moderate, and IV-marked) based on the extent of signs and symptoms. The anemia is rated by means of Section 9.2, Anemia (5th ed, 192–193), and Table...
