Haemolysis

The shape of a normal red cell is described as [blank_start]biconcave[blank_end]

Red blood cells have no mitochondria and thus rely on the process of [blank_start]glycolysis[blank_end] for energy

Once in circulation, the red blood cell is unable to generate new proteins, thus if it is damaged it cannot be fixed.

When the body deals with increased red cell destruction by means of increased red cell production this is known as [blank_start]compensated[blank_end] haemolysis.

Increased rate of red cell destruction exceeding bone marrow capacity for red cell production = [blank_start]Haemolytic[blank_end] Anaemia

Increased bone marrow red cell production is known as [blank_start]erythroid hyperplasia[blank_end]

The most common supravital stain is performed on reticulocytes using [blank_start]new methylene blue[blank_end] stain

Haemolysis can be classified as extravascular (taken up by reticuloendothelial system) or intravascular (destroyed within circulation). Which two of the following organs are the main sites of extravascular haemolysis.

Extravascular Haemolysis in more common and results in hyperplasia at the site of destruction (e.g. Splenomegaly, Hepatomegaly)

Haemoglobinuria (Hb in the urine) is [blank_start]pink[blank_end] in colour, however when left to stand gradually turns to [blank_start]black[blank_end]

When in suspicion of an immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, a clinician can confirm or deny this hypothesis by conducting a [blank_start]direct[blank_end] Coomb's Test

[blank_start]Alloimmune[blank_end] haemolysis: Immune response to nonself antigens from members of the same species [blank_start]Autoimmune[blank_end] haemolysis: Immune response of an organism against its own healthy cells

Autoimmune Haemolysis can be either 'warm' or 'cold' Warm Autoimmune Haemolysis is mediated by Ig[blank_start]G[blank_end] Cold Autoimmune Haemolysis is mediated by Ig[blank_start]M[blank_end]

Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction: Immediate Reaction is typically [blank_start]IgM[blank_end] mediated and occurs predominantly [blank_start]intravascularly[blank_end] Delayed Reaction is typically [blank_start]IgG[blank_end] mediated and occurs predominantly [blank_start]extravascularly[blank_end]

E.coli O157 infection can cause an anaemic state via destruction of RBCs, platelets all whilst bringing about kidney failure. This is called [blank_start]Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome[blank_end]

Microspherocytes are red cells that have been damaged as they pass through damaged capillaries. This typically occurs in which type of event?

Zieve's Syndrome is a haemolytic anaemia which occurs with hyperlipidaemia and jaundice in response to withdrawal from ...

Name the condition: An inherited abnormality of the red blood cells whereby there are defects in the membrane structure, causing the formation of spherical red blood cells. These abnormal cells are removed by the spleen and thus have a very short lifespan, sometimes only around 10 days. This condition is called [blank_start]Hereditary Spherocytosis[blank_end]

The normal lifespan of a red blood cell is around [blank_start]120[blank_end] days.

Which drug, used primarily in the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis, can cause a haemolytic anaemia? [blank_start]Dapsone[blank_end]

Sickle cell disease is caused by a [blank_start]point[blank_end] mutation in a [blank_start]beta[blank_end] globin chain.

The bony deformities of this child's face are in keeping with which haematological condition?

Diagnose this patient: A 22 year old female presented to the GP with intermittent mild jaundice which her partner had noticed. She has a PMX of gallstones and on examination she is found to have splenomegaly. Upon further questioning it was found that her father had had his spleen removed at a young age. This woman is likely suffering from [blank_start]Hereditary Spherocytosis[blank_end]

These 'golf ball cells' that are labelled on the diagram are red blood cells with abnormal haemoglobin inside of them. If I told you that the patient was a young thai girl who has intermittent jaundice when she unwell, what would your diagnosis be? [blank_start]HbH Disease[blank_end]