Hemolytic Anemias Quiz

What is the main structural protein affected in Hereditary Spherocytosis?

Which enzyme is deficient in G6PD deficiency?

What is the most common red cell enzymopathy associated with hemolysis?

What are the symptoms of G6PD deficiency when red blood cells are exposed to certain chemicals or stress?

What happens to red blood cells affected by Hereditary Spherocytosis as they circulate in the spleen?

Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia that results from an increased rate of red cell destruction.
The normal life span of a red cell is approximately 120 days, but in severe hemolysis, cells can survive only a few days.

Hemolysis

Hemolysis can occur in two ways: extravascularly (outside the bloodstream) by the macrophages of the spleen, or intravascularly (inside the bloodstream).
Extravascular hemolysis can lead to anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly.

General Evidence of Hemolysis

Evidence of hemoglobin breakdown:
- Increased unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin.
- Increased urinary urobilinogen.
Evidence of increased red cell production:
- Reticulocytosis (in blood).
- Erythroid hyperplasia (in marrow).
Evidence of RBC damage:
- Spherocytes.
- Fragmented red cells.
If intravascular hemolysis:
- Hemoglobinuria.
- Hemoglobinaemia.

Classification of Hemolytic Anemia

Hereditary hemolytic anemia:
- RBC membrane defects:
  - Hereditary spherocytosis.
  - Hereditary elliptocytosis.
- Defects in metabolism:
  - G6PD deficiency.
- Genetic defects of hemoglobin:
  - Thalassemias.
  - Sickle cell anemia.

Test your knowledge about hemolytic anemias which result from an increase in the rate of red cell destruction, leading to anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly. Understand the evidence of hemolysis and the different mechanisms of red cell breakdown.