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Hemolytic anemias. Diagnosis and management
1Department of Internal Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Hemolysis, or red blood cell destruction, occurs through intravascular or extravascular mechanisms. Diagnosis relies on anemia with reticulocytosis, with treatment targeting the underlying cause.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Hemolysis involves red blood cell destruction, occurring either intravascularly or extravascularly.
- Extravascular hemolysis, the more common mechanism, involves removal of defective or antibody-bound erythrocytes by the mononuclear-phagocytic system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the mechanisms of hemolysis.
- To describe diagnostic findings and associated conditions.
- To briefly touch upon treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of hemolytic mechanisms.
- Description of diagnostic criteria for hemolysis.
- Identification of clinical conditions associated with hemolysis.
Main Results:
- Hemolysis is classified into intravascular and extravascular types.
- Diagnosis is supported by anemia, reticulocytosis, and specific laboratory findings like elevated bilirubin and LDH, and decreased haptoglobin.
- Red blood cell morphology is often abnormal and can be diagnostic.
Conclusions:
- Hemolysis diagnosis is established by anemia with reticulocytosis.
- Specific laboratory and morphological findings aid in diagnosis and identifying underlying causes.
- Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause of hemolysis.