Chapter 101. Hemolytic Anemias and Anemia Due to Acute Blood Loss (Part 2)

Table 101-2 General Features of Hemolytic Disorders General examination Jaundice, pallor Other findings physical Spleen may be enlarged; bossing of skull in severe congenital cases Hemoglobin From normal to severely reduced MCV, MCH Usually increased Reticulocytes Increased Bilirubin Increased (mostly unconjugated) LDH Increased (up to 10X normal with intravascular hemolysis) Haptoglobin Reduced to absent Note: MCV, mean corpuscular volume; MCH, mean corpuscular hemoglobin; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase. The laboratory features of HA are related to (1) hemolysis per se and (2) the erythropoietic response of the bone marrow. In the serum, hemolysis regularly produces an increased unconjugated bilirubin, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), increased aspartate transaminase, and reduced haptoglobin. ...