Haemolysis Flashcards
Define Haemolysis
hola
Premature red cell destruction, can result in anaemia
What causes warm autoimmune haemolysis?
(1) IgG autoantibodies
(2) idiopathic
(3) linked to SLE, CLL, drugs, and infections.
(4) Occurs at ≥ 37°C.
What causes cold autoimmune haemolysis?
(1) IgM autoantibodies
(2) linked to infections (EBV, mycoplasma).
(3) Occurs at 0-10°C
(4) can angulate, cause holes in cell (MAC)
What causes alloimmune haemolysis?
The immune system attacks transfused red blood cells
What causes haemolytic transfusion reactions?
(1) Immediate (IgM) intravascular
(2) Delayed (IgG) extravascular
What is the haemolytic disease of the newborn?
Due to Rh or ABO incompatibility, or anti-Kell antibodies
What causes mechanical red cell destruction?
(1) DIC - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
(2) HUS - Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
(3) TTP - Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
(4) leaking heart valves
(5) malaria
(6) burns that physically damage red blood cells
What causes hereditary spherocytosis?
A genetic defect causes RBCs to be sphere-shaped instead of biconcave.
= Results in jaundice, and splenomegaly, and can lead to aplastic crises due to parvovirus B19 infection
What is G6PD deficiency?
X-linked condition causing hemolysis triggered by infection, drugs, or fava beans.
More common in Mediterranean/Middle Eastern populations
Why are RBCs particularly susceptible to damage?
Biconcave shape, lack of nucleus, limited metabolic reserve
What is compensated haemolysis?
Increased RBC destruction is matched by increased production, maintaining Hb levels
What is decompensated haemolysis?
RBC destruction exceeds bone marrow production, leading to low Hb levels
What are the consequences of haemolysis?
(1) Reticulocytosis
(2) Erythroid hyperplasia
(3) Excess bilirubin (jaundice, gallstones)
What happens in extravascular haemolysis?
RBCs are destroyed by spleen/liver macrophages
= Leads to jaundice and splenomegaly
What happens in intravascular haemolysis?
RBCs burst in circulation, releasing haemoglobin,
= Leads to hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria
What are the clinical features of haemolysis?
jaundice, dark urine (hemoglobinuria), fatigue
What tests confirm haemolysis?
(1) FBC
(2) Reticulocyte count
(3) Unconjugated bilirubin
(4) Blood film (spherocytes, Heinz bodies)
(5) Direct Coombs’ test
What does raised lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) indicate?
It suggests red cell destruction
How is haemolysis treated?
Corticosteroids for autoimmune
IV fluids for transfusion reactions
The first-line treatment for warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is what?
steroids
Second-line treatment for haemolysis is what?
Immunosuppressives and splenectomy
If the Coombs test was negative what disease does this rule out and why?
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
= Coombs test detects antibodies or complement on the surface of red blood cells. A negative Coombs test indicates that there are no antibodies or complement bound to the red blood cells, which rules out autoimmune hemolysis as the cause of anaemia
If no history of travel was mentioned. What haemolytic disease does this rule out?
Infection induced haemolytic anaemia
A 13-year-old girl of Middle Eastern origin is admitted with jaundice and shortness of breath on exertion. These symptoms have started over the course of the last day. She also complains of dark urine and denies any other symptoms. The patient has a past medical history of gallstones. No drug history or travel history is stated.
On examination, conjunctival pallor and jaundice are noted. She also has henna decorating both of her hands.
The Coomb test was negative. What is the underlying pathology giving rise to this presentation? and why?
G6PD haemolytic anaemia
= Given her ethnic origin and the fact that she has had henna tattooing which can trigger haemolytic crises in patients with G6PD, this is the most likely answer