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Pathology
Shortened red cell life span, secondary to increased destruction
Aetiology
Congenital
Membrane: Hereditary Spherocytosis
Enzyme: G6PD Deficiency, Pyruvate kinase deficiency
Hb Defect: Sickle cell, thalassaemia
Acquired
Immune: Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, incompatible transfusion
Mechanical: Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, prosthetic heart valve
Infection: Malaria
Drugs: Dapsone, Amyl nitrate
Signs
Pallor, jaundice, features of underlying condition
Symptoms
Fatigue, shortness of breath, haemoglobinuria
Investigations
Bloods: Raised unconjugated bilirubin, Raised lactate dehydrogenase, Reduced
serum haptoglobin,
Blood film: Reticulocytosis, spherocytes, Target Cells, schistocytes,
MSU: Increased urinary bilinogen
Treatment
Medical: Treat cause of haemolysis, folic acid, steroids, Blood transfusion
Prognosis
Generally good
Depends on underlying cause
Key Facts
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Key References
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