48. Haemolytic Anemia- Classification. Haemolytic syndrome Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is hemolytic anemia?
Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced by the bone marrow.
Where does the destruction of red blood cells primarily occur in hemolytic anemia?
The spleen’s red pulp is the primary site of this destruction.
What are the two main classifications of hemolytic anemia?
Hemolytic anemia can be classified into hereditary and acquired types.
What characterizes hereditary hemolytic anemia?
Persistent anemia from infancy, often with a family history.
What characterizes acquired hemolytic anemia?
Sudden onset in adulthood, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia or malaria.
What are the two categories of hemolytic anemia based on immune response?
Immune-mediated and non-immune.
What causes immune-mediated hemolytic anemia?
It is caused by antibodies.
What are examples of non-immune causes of hemolytic anemia?
Mechanical damage from prosthetic heart valves and infections.
What is extravascular hemolysis?
It occurs in the reticuloendothelial system, primarily in the spleen.
What is intravascular hemolysis?
It occurs within the peripheral blood vessels.
What are some hereditary conditions associated with hemolytic anemia?
Membrane disorders (hereditary spherocytosis), enzyme deficiencies (G6PD deficiency), and hemoglobin abnormalities (thalassemias, sickle cell disease).
What are the types of acquired hemolytic anemia?
Immune-mediated (alloimmune and autoimmune) and non-immune.
What is warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)?
It can be primary or secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or drugs.
What causes cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia?
It is due to Mycoplasma or EBV infection and cold hemagglutinin disease (CHAD).
What is microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA)?
It is associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, sepsis, and malaria.
What are common clinical symptoms of hemolytic anemia?
Breathlessness, pale skin, fatigue, hemoglobinuria, jaundice, splenomegaly, and gallstones.
What tests are used for the diagnosis of hemolytic anemia?
CBC, peripheral smear, reticulocyte count, serum bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, haptoglobin levels, and direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test).
What are the treatment options for hemolytic anemia?
Corticosteroids (prednisone), immunosuppressants (azathioprine), folic acid supplement, and blood transfusion for acute/severe cases.
What is hemolytic syndrome?
A broad term encompassing various conditions involving excessive destruction of red blood cells, resulting in symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, and anemia.
