Haemolysis Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Haemolysis Deck (39)
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1
Q

What is the definition of haemolysis?

A

Premature red cell destruction

2
Q

What may be one of the first clinical signs suggestive that an individual is haemolysing?

A

Jaundice

3
Q

What are the two main physiological responses to haemolysis?

A

Erythroid hyperplasia and reticulocytosis

4
Q

Where are red blood cells broken down in extravascular haemolysis?

A

The reticuloendothelial system (predominantly liver and spleen)

5
Q

Which is more common, intra or extravascular haemolysis?

A

Extravascular

6
Q

Haemoglobinaemia and haemoglobinuria are only seen in which type of haemolysis: intra or extravascular?

A

Intravascular

7
Q

Is haemosiderinuria seen in intravascular or extravascular haemolysis?

A

Intravascular

8
Q

Which is the more common type of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?

A

Warm haemolytic anaemia

9
Q

Which is the more severe type of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?

A

Cold haemolytic anaemia

10
Q

What is the diagnostic test for autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?

A

Direct Coomb’s test

11
Q

Which type of antibody is causative in warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?

A

IgG

12
Q

Which type of antibody is causative in cold autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?

A

IgM

13
Q

What is a potential underlying cause of both types of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?

A

Lymphoproliferative disorders

14
Q

Autoimmune disorders such as SLE may lead to the development of which type of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?

A

Warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

15
Q

Which drug class is recognised as a potential underlying cause for the development of warm haemolytic anaemia?

A

Penicillins

16
Q

Infections such as EBV and mycoplasma are potential underlying causes for which type of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia?

A

Cold autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

17
Q

What are the two main examples of alloimmune causes for haemolysis?

A

Haemolytic disease of the newborn and transfusion reactions

18
Q

Which surgical procedure is a risk factor for the development of haemolytic anaemia?

A

Mechanical heart valve insertion

19
Q

What infection may be responsible for causing acquired, non-immune haemolytic anaemia?

A

Malaria

20
Q

What may be seen on a blood film of an individual with haemolysis as a consequence of severe burns?

A

Microspherocytes

21
Q

Zieve’s syndrome is a triad of what 3 things?

A

Haemolysis, alcoholic liver disease and hyperlipidaemia

22
Q

A deficiency in which vitamin may lead to red blood cell membrane defects and subsequent haemolysis?

A

Vitamin E

23
Q

What are some examples of congenital conditions leading to haemolysis?

A

G6PD deficiency, hereditary spherocytosis, sickle cell anaemia

24
Q

The presence of spherocytes on a peripheral blood film suggests there has been damage to which part of a red blood cell? What are some potential underlying causes for this?

A

Red blood cell membrane- caused by hereditary spherocytosis or autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

25
Q

The presence of red cell fragments on a peripheral blood film is suggestive of what?

A

Mechanical damage

26
Q

The presence of Heinz bodies on a peripheral blood film is suggestive of what?

A

G6PD deficiency

27
Q

In warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, is the haemolysis intra or extravascular?

A

Extravascular

28
Q

In cold autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, is the haemolysis intra or extravascular?

A

Intravascular

29
Q

What happens to serum LDH in haemolytic anaemia?

A

Increased serum LDH

30
Q

The presence of schistocytes on a peripheral blood film is suggestive of what cause for haemolytic anaemia?

A

Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (i.e. HUS, TTP, DIC etc)

31
Q

Where does the haemolysis take place in hereditary spherocytosis?

A

Spleen

32
Q

An aplastic crisis occurs when individuals with G6PD deficiency become infected with what organism?

A

Parvovirus B19

33
Q

What treatment is required for all patients with hereditary spherocytosis?

A

Folic acid supplements

34
Q

What definitive treatment may be offered to individuals with severe hereditary spherocytosis?

A

Splenectomy

35
Q

What measures are taken to address the increased infection risk following a splenectomy?

A

Pneumococcal vaccination and long-term prophylactic penicillin

36
Q

How is hereditary spherocytosis inherited?

A

Autosomal dominant

37
Q

How is G6PD deficiency inherited?

A

X-linked recessive

38
Q

Intake of what food can precipitate acute intravascular haemolysis in those with G6PD deficiency?

A

Broad beans

39
Q

Does G6PD deficiency normally require any long-term treatment?

A

No