Haemolytic anaemia Flashcards
1
Q
Give three examples of inherited haemolytic anaemia
A
- Thalassaemia
- Sickle cell anaemia
- G6PD deficiency
2
Q
Give three examples of acquired haemolytic anaemia
A
- Autoimmune
- Alloimmune
- Mechanical heart valve
3
Q
What are the three main clinical features of haemolytic anaemia?
A
- Anaemia
- Splenomegaly
- Jaundice
4
Q
What are the common triggers for a G6PD deficiency crisis?
A
- Illness
- Medications, e.g. antimalarials, ciprofloxacin, sulfa drugs
- Fava beans (broad beans)
5
Q
What are the different types of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia? What causes each of these?
A
- Warm = most common (idiopathic)
- Cold (often secondary to other haematological conditions such as leukaemia/lymphoma)
6
Q
Which investigation is used to diagnose autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?
A
Direct Coombs test
7
Q
Describe the management of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
A
- Blood transfusion
- Steroids
- Monoclonal antibodies e.g. rituximab
8
Q
Give two examples of alloimmune haemolytic anaemia
A
- Transfusion reaction
- Haemolytic disease of the newborn
