HEMOLYSIS Flashcards
What component of hemolysis is responsible for the manifestation of jaundice ?
- Bilirubin release from the red cells
Define hemolysis.
- premature red cell destruction
avg lifespan is 120 days
WHy are red cells susceptible to damage?
- biconcave shape to transit —-so ANY CHANGE in shape of the red cell is bad
- limited metabolic reserve (no mitochondria; relies completely on GLUCOSE )
- can’t generate new proteins ! Since leaving the bm)
Define compensated hemolysis.
- incr. red cell destrcution compensated by INCR. red cell prodn (with incr. erythropoitin prodn)
- —Hb is MAINTAINED
What occurs in hemolytic anemia that becomes in a decompensated state?
- red cell destruct. EXCEEDING THE bone marrow CAPACITY to compensate for loss
- –Hb FALLS
Consequences of hemolysis.
- erthryoid hyperplasia
- excess red cell destrc. products (BILIRUBIN)
What is the issue with diagnosing hemolytic anaemia?
- rely on DETECTING the CONSEQUENCES of hemolysis and investigating the cause
How does the Bone marrow respond to hemolysis?
- reticulocytosis
- erythroid hyperplasia
Are reticulocytes nucleated cells?
Are they diagnostic of Hemolysis?
NO
- –appear bluer d.t ribosomal RNA
- —appear BIGGER than red cells
NO; just means the BONE marrow is able to RESPOND to the anemia
How does the blood film of a hemolytic pt look like?
POLYCHROMASIA (RIBOSOMAL rna)
How does automated reticulocyte counting occur ?
- RIBOSOMAL RNA is labelled with flurochrome
- cells are COUNTED
How does the bone marrow appear under the miscroscope in erythroid hyperplasia? -
Large no.s of erythroblasts
What is meant by intra-vascular hemolysis? -
break down of the red cells IN THE blood vessels
Where does extravascular hemolysis occur?
- at the reticuloendothelial sys. (LIVER AND SPLEEN)
- commoner
- HYPERPLASIA at site of the destruct.
- release of PROTOPORPHYRIN
What is seen with release of protoporphyin?
- unconjugated bilirubinemia
- JAUNDICE
- GALL stones
- urobilinogenuria
What is seen in lab findings with intravascular hemolysis?
- Hemoglobinemia
- Methaemalbmuninaemia
- hemoglobinuria (PINK urine; BLACK ON STANDING )
- hemosiderinuria (IRON in the urine)
What are the causes of Intravascular hemolysis?
- ABO incompatible blood transfusion
- G6PD deficiency
- Severe falciparum malaria (Blackwater Fever)
- Rarer still PNH,PCH
What is G6PD?
red cell enzyme