Haemolysis

Question 1

what is haemolysis?

Answer 1

premature red cell death

Question 2

difference between compensated and decompensated haemolysis?

Answer 2

compensated- increased red cell production compensated by increased red cell production i.e. Hb maintained

decompensated (AKA haemolytic anaemia)- increased rate of red cell destruction exceeding bone marrow capacity of red cell production i.e. Hb falls

Question 3

consequences of haemolysis?

Answer 3

-ERYTHROID HYPERPLASIA (increased bone marrow red cell production)

-EXCESS RED CELL BREAKDOWN PRODUCTS e.g. bilirubin

Question 4

is intra or extravascular haemolysis more common?

Answer 4

extravascular haemolysis

Question 5

where do RBC get taken up in extravascular haemolysis?

Answer 5

RBC taken up in the reticuloendothelial system
-predominantly spleen + liver

Question 6

explain extravascular haemolysis?

Answer 6

-RBC are taken up by reticuloendothelial system (predominantly spleen + liver)
-Hyperplasia at site of destruction (causing spleno/hepatomegaly)
-Release of protoporphyrin
-Products released are normal but just produced in excess

Question 7

explain intravascular haemolysis?

Answer 7

Red blood cells are destroyed within the circulation

-IgM involved (activates compliment pathway)