Acquired Hemolytic Anemia

Abstract

Acquired hemolytic anemia is a group of disorders in which premature destruction of red cells is triggered by extrinsic factors. In this study, we have evaluated 38 cases of acquired hemolytic anemia. Immune hemolysis accounted for 52.6% (n=20) and fragmentation hemolysis 44.7% (n=17) of acquired hemolytic anemia. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MHA) surfaced as the two most frequent causes accounting for 44.7% (n=17) and 39.5% (n=15) of acquired hemolysis. Erythrocyte morphology gives valuable clues concerning the cause of hemolysis. Spherocytes were observed in 94% (n=16) cases of immune hemolytic anemia. Schistocytes were observed in all cases of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MHA). In addition to schistocytes, microspherocytes were seen in 40% of MHA. Precise identification of spherocytes, schistocytes and microspherocytes is very important as it gives valuable information regarding the cause of acquired hemolysis.