Hemolytic anemia

A subtype of anemia that is due to RBC hemolysis. 2 main types: Intravascular (can see schistocytes in PB) & Extravascular (can see spherocytes in PB). Lab findings include a low Hb and Hct, elevated reticulocyte count, increased bilirubin (mainly indirect bili), hemoglobinemia, hemoglobinuria & sometimes hemosiderinuria. Decreased haptoglobin can also be seen and is more prominent in intravascular hemolysis. Causes may be congenital or inherited (e.g. sickle cell disease, hereditary spherocytosis, pyruvate kinase deficiency and G6PD deficiency) or acquired (infection-associated, immune-associated (Coombs positive), hypersplenism-associated, burn injury associated, or mechanical valve associated. Certain aspects of intravascular hemolysis such as schistocytes could also be seen in Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemias which include DIC, TTP, and HUS.