Week 1 Flashcards
Introduction to Hemolytic Anemia, Intrinsic & Extrinsic Immune Defects Leading to HA
What is hemolytic anemia, and what causes it?
Hemolytic anemia occurs when the rate of red blood cell (RBC) destruction exceeds the rate of RBC production by the bone marrow. This imbalance leads to a decrease in RBCs, causing anemia.
How are hemolytic anemias classified?
Acute vs Chronic
Inherited vs Acquired
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic
Intravascular vs Extravascular
Which inherited hemolytic anemias are caused by membrane defects?
Hereditary Spherocytosis
Hereditary Elliptocytosis
Hereditary Stomatocytosis
What are examples of enzyme defects in inherited hemolytic anemias?
G6PD Deficiency
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
What disorders involve globin structure and synthesis in inherited hemolytic anemias?
Hemoglobinopathies
Thalassemias
What are the two main categories of acquired hemolytic anemia?
Immune
Non-Immune
What are the immune causes of acquired hemolytic anemia?
Alloimmune:
Transfusion reactions
Hemolytic disease of the newborn
Autoimmune:
Warm antibody
Cold antibody
What are the non-immune causes of acquired hemolytic anemia?
Chemical & physical agents
Infections
Mechanical factors
Secondary liver & renal disease
What percentage of hemolysis is normally carried out via extravascular hemolysis?
90% of hemolysis is normally carried out through extravascular hemolysis.
What happens to hemoglobin during extravascular hemolysis?
Hemoglobin is broken down by macrophages into:
Heme (or metheme), which is further processed to release iron
Unconjugated bilirubin
What role does the liver play in extravascular hemolysis?
The liver converts unconjugated bilirubin into conjugated bilirubin, which is excreted into the intestine as part of bile.
What happens to urobilinogen during extravascular hemolysis?
Some urobilinogen is reabsorbed into circulation, with the remainder excreted as:
Urine urobilinogen (normal levels)
Fecal urobilinogen (normal levels)
How does the kidney participate in the clearance of bilirubin in normal extravascular hemolysis?
The kidney excretes normal levels of urine urobilinogen, and no urine bilirubin is present (negative).
What percentage of hemolysis is carried out via intravascular hemolysis?
Approximately 10% of hemolysis is carried out through intravascular hemolysis.
What is the role of haptoglobin (Hpt) in intravascular hemolysis?
Haptoglobin binds to free hemoglobin (Hb) released into circulation during intravascular hemolysis, forming an Hb-Hpt complex. This complex is then recognized by CD163 on macrophages for degradation.
What happens to hemoglobin during intravascular hemolysis once it is processed by macrophages?
Hemoglobin is degraded by macrophages, with the heme component processed into iron and unconjugated bilirubin, which is sent to the liver.
What happens to excess hemoglobin that is not bound by haptoglobin in intravascular hemolysis?
Excess hemoglobin that is not bound by haptoglobin can be bound by hemopexin (Hpx), which is recognized by CD91 receptors on hepatocytes for degradation.
How is unconjugated bilirubin processed during intravascular hemolysis?
Unconjugated bilirubin is transported to the liver, where it is converted into conjugated bilirubin and excreted into the intestine.
What is excessive extravascular hemolysis?
Excessive extravascular hemolysis occurs when red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate than normal, leading to an increase in unconjugated bilirubin levels and overproduction of urobilinogen.
What happens to unconjugated bilirubin during excessive extravascular hemolysis?
Unconjugated bilirubin is produced in excess by macrophages and transported to the liver, where it is converted to conjugated bilirubin.
How does the liver handle the increased amount of unconjugated bilirubin in excessive extravascular hemolysis?
The liver processes the increased unconjugated bilirubin into conjugated bilirubin, which is then excreted into the intestines.
What happens to urobilinogen levels during excessive extravascular hemolysis?
Urobilinogen levels increase in both urine and feces, reflecting the higher turnover of red blood cells and bilirubin.
What would urine and fecal tests show in excessive extravascular hemolysis?
Urine: Increased urobilinogen, no bilirubin
Feces: Increased urobilinogen
What occurs during excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Excessive intravascular hemolysis involves the destruction of red blood cells within the blood vessels, leading to increased levels of free hemoglobin and its binding to haptoglobin (Hpt) or hemopexin (Hpx).
What role does haptoglobin (Hpt) play in excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Haptoglobin binds free hemoglobin released into circulation. The Hb-Hpt complex is taken up by CD163 receptors on macrophages for degradation.
What happens if haptoglobin is depleted during excessive intravascular hemolysis?
If haptoglobin is depleted, excess free hemoglobin binds to hemopexin (Hpx), which is recognized by CD91 receptors on hepatocytes for degradation.
What is the fate of unconjugated bilirubin during excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Unconjugated bilirubin, produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin, is transported to the liver where it is converted into conjugated bilirubin and excreted into the intestine.
What are the changes in urine and fecal findings in excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Urine: Increased urobilinogen, no bilirubin
Feces: Increased urobilinogen
What are schistocytes, and what is their significance in excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Schistocytes are fragmented red blood cells often seen in excessive intravascular hemolysis, indicating red blood cell destruction within the blood vessels.
What happens to hemoglobin in the kidneys during excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Hemoglobin (Hb) is filtered by the kidneys, and some of it forms complexes with haptoglobin (Hb-Hpt) and is reabsorbed by proximal tubular cells. Excess free hemoglobin that is not bound can lead to hemoglobinuria.
What is hemoglobinuria, and when does it occur?
Hemoglobinuria is the presence of hemoglobin in the urine, occurring when free hemoglobin exceeds the capacity of haptoglobin and the renal tubules are unable to fully reabsorb it.
What is the role of proximal tubular cells in iron processing during excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Proximal tubular cells reabsorb hemoglobin and break it down into iron (Fe), which is stored as ferritin or hemosiderin. Some iron is released back into circulation via ferroportin.
What happens to unconjugated bilirubin in excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Unconjugated bilirubin is transported to the liver, where it is converted into conjugated bilirubin and excreted in bile. Excess bilirubin leads to increased levels of urobilinogen in both urine and feces.
How does iron get released from proximal tubular cells back into circulation?
Iron is released from proximal tubular cells into circulation via ferroportin, where it binds to transferrin for transport.
What are the common findings in the urine during excessive intravascular hemolysis?
Increased urine urobilinogen
Hemoglobinuria (if excess hemoglobin is filtered)
Negative urine bilirubin
What happens to plasma hemoglobin levels during an intravascular hemolytic event?
Plasma hemoglobin levels rise sharply immediately after the hemolytic event and then decline over the next few days as the free hemoglobin is processed or excreted.
How does serum haptoglobin behave during intravascular hemolysis?
Serum haptoglobin levels decrease rapidly after a hemolytic event as haptoglobin binds to free hemoglobin. It remains low during ongoing hemolysis.
What is the pattern of urinary hemoglobin following a hemolytic event?
Urinary hemoglobin peaks within the first 1-2 days following the hemolytic event and then decreases as free hemoglobin is processed or reabsorbed.
How do reticulocyte levels change after a hemolytic event?
Reticulocyte levels begin to rise a few days after the hemolytic event, indicating an increased response from the bone marrow to replace lost red blood cells.
What happens to plasma bilirubin levels during intravascular hemolysis?
Plasma bilirubin levels increase gradually following a hemolytic event due to the breakdown of hemoglobin into unconjugated bilirubin, which is processed by the liver.
What happens to serum haptoglobin levels during extravascular hemolysis?
Serum haptoglobin levels remain relatively stable during extravascular hemolysis, as haptoglobin is not consumed as quickly as in intravascular hemolysis.
How do plasma bilirubin levels change after a hemolytic event in extravascular hemolysis?
Plasma bilirubin levels increase gradually after the hemolytic event, peaking around day 3-4, due to the breakdown of hemoglobin into unconjugated bilirubin.
What is the trend in reticulocyte levels during extravascular hemolysis?
Reticulocyte levels increase over time following a hemolytic event, reflecting the bone marrow’s response to replace lost red blood cells, typically peaking around day 6-7.
What happens to whole blood hemoglobin levels in extravascular hemolysis?
Whole blood hemoglobin levels decrease after the hemolytic event as red blood cells are destroyed and hemoglobin is released.
How do plasma bilirubin and reticulocyte levels differ in their time course during extravascular hemolysis?
Plasma bilirubin peaks earlier, around day 3-4, while reticulocyte levels peak later, around day 6-7, indicating the delayed response of red blood cell production compared to hemoglobin breakdown.
What is the hemoglobin level, indirect bilirubinemia, and reticulocytosis pattern in acute fragmentation hemolytic anemia?
Hemoglobin: Rapidly dropping
Indirect bilirubinemia: Delayed
Reticulocytosis: Delayed
Schistocytes present
What are the characteristics of acute macrophage-mediated hemolytic anemia?
Hemoglobin: Rapidly dropping
Indirect bilirubinemia: Delayed
Reticulocytosis: Delayed
Spherocytes present
How does chronic fragmentation hemolytic anemia present?
Hemoglobin: Persistently low
Indirect bilirubinemia: Persistent
Reticulocytosis: Persistent
Schistocytes present
What is the presentation of chronic macrophage-mediated hemolytic anemia?
Hemoglobin: Persistently low
Indirect bilirubinemia: Persistent
Reticulocytosis: Persistent
Spherocytes present
How does acute hemorrhage differ from hemolytic anemia in terms of indirect bilirubinemia and reticulocytosis?
Hemoglobin: Rapidly dropping
Indirect bilirubinemia: Absent
Reticulocytosis: Delayed
No spherocytes or schistocytes
What are the findings in hemodilution?
Hemoglobin: Rapidly dropping
Indirect bilirubinemia: Absent
Reticulocytosis: Absent
No spherocytes or schistocytes
How does recovery from hemorrhage present in terms of reticulocytosis?
Hemoglobin: Rising
Indirect bilirubinemia: Absent
Reticulocytosis: Present
No spherocytes or schistocytes
What is the pattern in treated anemia (iron, vitamin B12, folate deficiency)?
Hemoglobin: Rising
Indirect bilirubinemia: Absent or declining
Reticulocytosis: Present
No spherocytes or schistocytes
What are the characteristics of hemorrhage into a body cavity?
Hemoglobin: Rapidly dropping
Indirect bilirubinemia: Delayed
Reticulocytosis: Delayed
No spherocytes or schistocytes
What is the presentation in ineffective erythropoiesis (e.g., megaloblastic anemia)?
Hemoglobin: Dropping
Indirect bilirubinemia: Persistent
Reticulocytosis: Absent
No spherocytes or schistocytes
What is the expected change in WBC and platelet counts (WBC/PLT) in hemolysis?
The WBC and platelet counts are variable in hemolysis.
What happens to RBC, hemoglobin (HB), and hematocrit (HCT) levels in hemolysis?
RBC, hemoglobin (HB), and hematocrit (HCT) levels are decreased in hemolysis.
What is the expected change in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in hemolysis?
MCV is increased, although it may not be greater than the reference interval but will be higher than baseline.
What happens to red cell distribution width (RDW) in hemolysis?
RDW is increased in hemolysis.
What happens to reticulocyte levels in hemolysis?
Reticulocyte levels are increased in hemolysis, indicating an increased response from the bone marrow.
What hemolytic disorders are associated with the presence of spherocytes?
Hereditary spherocytosis
Warm hemolytic anemia
Thermal injury to RBCs
Which hemolytic disorder is associated with elliptocytes (ovalocytes)?
Hereditary elliptocytosis
What hemolytic disorders are associated with the presence of acanthocytes?
Abetalipoproteinemia
Severe liver disease
What conditions are associated with burr cells in hemolytic anemia?
Pyruvate kinase deficiency
Uremia
What disorder is linked with the presence of schistocytes?
Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
What does erythrophagocytosis indicate in hemolytic anemia?
Erythrophagocytosis is linked to damage to the RBC surface, especially due to complement-fixing antibodies.
What disorders are associated with RBC agglutination in hemolytic anemia?
Cold agglutinins
Immunohemolytic disease
What are intrinsic hemolytic anemias?
Intrinsic hemolytic anemias are a group of disorders characterized by defects in red blood cells (RBCs) that result in hemolysis and anemia.
What are the three main categories of intrinsic hemolytic anemias?
Intrinsic hemolytic anemias can be divided into:
RBC membrane defects
Metabolic enzyme deficiencies
Hemoglobin abnormalities
What proteins are involved in the vertical and horizontal interactions of the RBC membrane?
The proteins include:
Ankyrin complex
Actin complex
Protein 4.2
α & β Spectrin
G3PD (band 6)
What is the primary function of the red blood cell (RBC) membrane?
The function of the RBC membrane is to provide deformability, elasticity, and stability to the cell.
What can result from defects in the red blood cell membrane?
A defect that changes membrane geometry, elasticity, or viscosity of the cytoplasm can affect deformability and lead to hemolysis.
Which complex is responsible for linking the RBC membrane to the cytoskeleton?
The ankyrin complex is responsible for linking the RBC membrane to the cytoskeleton, which is essential for maintaining cell stability and shape.
How do defects in the spectrin-ankyrin interaction impact RBCs?
Defects in the spectrin-ankyrin interaction can compromise the cell’s deformability, leading to fragility and increased susceptibility to hemolysis.
What are the classifications of major hereditary membrane defects causing hemolytic anemia?
Hereditary membrane defects causing hemolytic anemia are classified into:
Mutations that alter membrane structure
Mutations that alter membrane transport proteins
What are the hereditary membrane defects that alter membrane structure?
Hereditary spherocytosis
Hereditary elliptocytosis/pyropoikilocytosis
What hereditary membrane defect alters membrane transport proteins?
Hereditary stomatocytosis
Which hereditary conditions are associated with changes in the RBC membrane structure leading to hemolytic anemia?
Hereditary spherocytosis
Hereditary elliptocytosis
Pyropoikilocytosis
What is the inheritance pattern of hereditary spherocytosis?
75% autosomal dominant
25% nondominant
What proteins are deficient in hereditary spherocytosis?
The deficient proteins include:
Ankyrin (ANK1)
Band 3 (SLC4A1)
α-Spectrin (SPTA1)
β-Spectrin (SPTB)
Protein 4.2 (EPB42)
What is the pathophysiology of hereditary spherocytosis?
Hereditary spherocytosis involves a mutation in proteins that disrupts vertical membrane interactions between transmembrane proteins and the underlying cytoskeleton, leading to the loss of membrane and decreased surface area-to-volume ratio.
What is the typical red blood cell (RBC) morphology seen in hereditary spherocytosis?
Spherocytes
Polychromasia
What are the typical clinical features of hereditary spherocytosis?
The clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to severe. Typical features include:
Splenomegaly
Jaundice
Anemia
What causes hereditary spherocytosis?
Hereditary spherocytosis is caused by deficiencies in proteins such as spectrin, ankyrin, or band 3, leading to defects in the red blood cell membrane structure.
What are the intrinsic abnormalities in hereditary spherocytosis?
Deficiency of spectrin, ankyrin, or band 3
Uncoupling of the lipid bilayer and skeleton
Microvesicle formation leading to membrane loss
Surface area deficiency resulting in spherocytosis
What happens to the red blood cell (RBC) membrane in hereditary spherocytosis?
The RBC membrane undergoes microvesicle formation, which leads to a loss of membrane surface area and results in the characteristic spherical shape of RBCs (spherocytosis).
What are the complete blood count (CBC) findings in hereditary spherocytosis?
Decreased hemoglobin
Increased mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
Increased red cell distribution width (RDW)
Increased reticulocyte count
Hyperchromic (hyperdense) RBCs
What is the result of the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in hereditary spherocytosis?
The direct antiglobulin test is negative in hereditary spherocytosis.
What are the indicators of hemolysis in hereditary spherocytosis?
Decreased serum haptoglobin
Increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Increased serum indirect bilirubin
What are additional tests for atypical cases of hereditary spherocytosis?
Decreased fluorescence in eosin-5’-maleimide binding test by flow cytometry
Increased osmotic fragility and incubated osmotic fragility tests
SDS-PAGE analysis of membrane proteins
What is the inheritance pattern of hereditary elliptocytosis?
Hereditary elliptocytosis follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.
What proteins are deficient in hereditary elliptocytosis?
The deficient proteins include:
α-Spectrin (SPTA1)
β-Spectrin (SPTB)
Protein 4.1 (EPB41)
What is the pathophysiology of hereditary elliptocytosis?
Hereditary elliptocytosis is caused by a mutation in proteins that disrupts the horizontal linkages in the cytoskeleton, leading to a loss of mechanical stability in the red blood cell membrane.
What is the typical RBC morphology seen in hereditary elliptocytosis?
Few to 100% elliptocytes
Schistocytes in severe cases
What are the clinical findings in hereditary elliptocytosis?
90% of cases are asymptomatic
10% of cases show moderate to severe anemia
What is the inheritance pattern of hereditary pyropoikilocytosis?
Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
What proteins are deficient in hereditary pyropoikilocytosis?
The deficient proteins include:
α-Spectrin (SPTA1)
β-Spectrin (SPTB)
Mutations are often homozygous or compound heterozygous
What is the pathophysiology of hereditary pyropoikilocytosis?
Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis is caused by a mutation in spectrin that disrupts horizontal linkages in the cytoskeleton, leading to severe red blood cell (RBC) fragmentation.
What is the typical RBC morphology seen in hereditary pyropoikilocytosis?
Elliptocytes
Schistocytes
Microspherocytes
What are the clinical findings in hereditary pyropoikilocytosis?
Severe anemia is a common clinical finding in hereditary pyropoikilocytosis.