May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Cancer Haemolytic anaemia and Coombs’ test
Haemolytic anaemia and Coombs’ test |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: After a positive Chromm's test, and being diagnosed with hemolytic anemia, is an amenia work-up then approriate, and if not, why? Dear Kari: Normal red blood cells have an average lifespan of 120 days. Haemolysis is the premature destruction of red blood cells, and it may lead to haemolytic anaemia when bone marrow activity cannot compensate for the red blood cell loss. The direct Coombs' test is used clinically when immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia is suspected. The Coombs' test looks for antibodies that may bind to your red blood cells and cause premature red blood cell destruction (hemolysis).There are a wide variety of causes of haemolytic anaemia which include: Hereditary disorders (e.g. hereditary spherocytosis, sickle cell anaemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), autoimmune disorders (e.g. autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, chronic lymphatic leukaemia), antiviral agents, trauma, infection (e.g. malaria, septicaemia), toxic chemicals and drugs (e.g. penicillin, cephalosporin). A standard anaemia work-up is not appropriate in the case of haemolytic anaemia, because the mechanism of the anaemia is different. I would recommend referral to a haematologist for specialist advice. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 September 2010 ) |
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