To learn which laboratory tests are most useful in diagnosing hemolytic anemia. To learn the clinicopathologic features of the most common forms of hemolytic anemia.
Hemolysis is the destruction of red cells.
Normal red cells have a lifespan of 120 days, at which time they are destroyed primarily by the spleen. Hemolytic anemia is defined as the premature destruction of red cells either within the bloodstream or in organs such as the spleen. Since it takes several days for the marrow to upregulate production of red cells, sudden, massive hemolysis is life-threatening. Shear stress to circulating red cells. In severe cases this is followed by shock, DIC, hypotension, renal failure, and death.