Haemolytic anaemia Flashcards
what is this
destruction of RBC (haemolysis) which leads to anaemia
- inherit conditions can cause RBC to be more fragile and weak
how do you get chronic haemolytic anaemia?
- inherit conditions can cause RBC to be more fragile and weak and break down faster
what acquired conditions can lead to increased breakdown of RBC and haemolytic anaemia ? (5)
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia Alloimmune haemolytic anaemia (transfusion, newborns) Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia Prosthetic valve related haemolysis
Inherited haemolytic anaemias include
hereditary spherocytosis hereditary elliptocytosis Thalassemia Sickle cell anaemia G6PD defienccy
What are the clinical features of haemolytic anaemia?
anaemia - reduction in circulating RBC
splenomegaly - spell becomes filled with destroyed RBC
jaundice - bilirubin is released
investigations for haemolytic anaemia ?
FBC - shows normocytic anaemia
blood film = schistocytes
Direct Coombs test = positive
what is the most common inherited haemolytic anaemia
? - what kind of condition is it?
- what does it cause?
spherocytosis
autosomal dominant
sphere shaped RBC
what does haemolytic spherocytosis present with? (4)
jaundice, gallstones , splenomegaly and
APLASTIC CRISIS = parovirus
how is haemolytic spherocytosis diagnosed?
- what is raised?
Family history , clinical features
spherocytes on blood film
MCHC and Reticulocytes
treatment of haemolytic spherocytosis?
folate supplements and splenectomy
- cholecystectomy if gallstones are an issue
what does G6PD deficiency relate to?
- TRIGGERS (become anaemic after broad beans, developing an infection or antimalarials)
- X-linked recessive
how does G6PD deficiency present?
what do you do to diagnose?
jaundice - neonates , gallstones, anaemia, splenomegaly
- enzyme assay
what medications can trigger haemoloysis (G6PD)
primaquine (antimalarial) , ciprofloxacin , sulfonureas, sulphasalazine and sulphonamide drugs
