SHM's Clinical Quick Talks-Workup of Hemolytic Anemia

Pdf Summary

The document discusses the workup of hemolytic anemia, outlining various diagnostic cutoffs, etiologies, clinical signs/symptoms, lab values, peripheral blood smear findings, and management strategies. Hemolytic anemia can be caused by infections such as Bartonella or malaria, medication-induced factors like Dapsone or heavy metals, or autoimmune conditions like warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue, along with signs of heme breakdown like dark urine and jaundice. Lab values such as elevated LDH and decreased haptoglobin can indicate hemolysis. The peripheral blood smear may show abnormal red blood cell morphologies like spherocytes or schistocytes, indicative of different types of hemolysis. Management involves transfusion as needed and specific interventions based on the underlying cause, such as removing toxins, using steroids for autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or medications like hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease. The document also highlights the importance of investigating drug exposure and hereditary conditions like G6PD deficiency. This comprehensive overview provides healthcare professionals with a guide for diagnosing and managing hemolytic anemia in clinical practice.

Asset Subtitle

Emily Clark, Katherine DiPastina

Keywords

hemolytic anemia

diagnostic cutoffs

etiologies

clinical signs

lab values

peripheral blood smear findings

management strategies

infections

medication-induced factors

autoimmune conditions