Hemolytic Anemia
Description
A condition in which there are not enough red blood cells in the blood secondary to the premature destruction of red blood cells. If the bone marrow cannot keep up with the destruction of the cells then anemia (low red blood cells) results. The destruction can be caused by problems within the cells (intrinsic) or from factors outside the cell (extrinsic). Intrinsic factors include enzyme deficiencies (G6PD deficiency), abnormal red blood cells (sickle cell anemia, thalasemmia), or infections (malaria). Extrinsic factors include autoimmune causes, blood clots, infections, or from medication side effects.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the severity of the red blood cell destruction and the level of anemia and include: fatigue, pale skin, weakness, dark urine, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, yellowing skin, and an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).
Tests
A history and physical exam will be done. A CBC (complete blood cell count) will identify the anemia. Specific tests to identify the red blood cell destruction include: reticulocyte count, free hemoglobin, haptoglobin, and LDH. A blood smear to directly examine the red blood cells will be done as well.
- Blood smear
- Blood type
- CBC
- Haptoglogin
- reticulocyte count
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at identifying and putting a stop to the red blood cell destruction. Treatments include: blood transfusions, steroids, and surgery to remove the spleen.
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