[Hematological parameters in characterization of anemia in leptospirosis]

Blood samples from 46 patients with leptospirosis were analyzed on a Cobas Vega (ABX, France) device over the course of disease. Hemoglobin content, erythrocyte count, mean volume of erythrocytes, mean content and mean concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte, anisocytosis index, reticulocyte count, and content of free hemoglobin (FH) were analyzed. Anemia (normocytic normochromic hyperregeneratory) is a typical manifestation of leptospirosis during the second week of disease. The leading pathogenetic mechanism of anemia associated with leptospirosis is erythrocyte hemolysis, whose intensity during the acute period depends on the severity of intoxication and extracorporeal methods of detoxication. Persistence of anemia during convalescent period is due to involvement of the kidneys (nephrotic nephritis).