Hemolytic Anemia - Acquired Conditions

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and definitions related to acquired hemolytic anemia as discussed in the lecture.

Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

Anemia caused by the immune system attacking and destroying red blood cells.

Microangiopathic Disorders

Conditions where red blood cells break open in small blood vessels.

Drug Induced Hemolytic Anemia

Anemia triggered by drugs which induce the destruction of red blood cells.

Hemolysis

The breakdown of red blood cells leading to the release of hemoglobin.

Spherocytes

Abnormally shaped red blood cells that are spherical rather than biconcave.

Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

A condition in which antibodies work best at body temperature to destroy red blood cells.

Cold Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

A type of anemia where antibodies are active at lower temperatures, causing red cell agglutination.

Direct Anti-Globulin Test (DAT)

A laboratory test used to detect antibodies bound to the surface of red blood cells.

Alloimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Anemia resulting from antibodies produced in response to foreign antigens introduced into the body.

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

A condition where a mother's antibodies attack her baby's red blood cells.

DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)

A serious condition marked by widespread blood clotting and bleeding due to clotting factor consumption.

TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura)

A disorder characterized by the formation of tiny blood clots throughout the body.

HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome)

A condition caused by bacterial infection leading to kidney failure and hemolytic anemia.

Oxidative Hemolytic Anemia

An anemia that occurs due to oxidative stress damaging red blood cells.

G6PD Deficiency

A genetic disorder where red blood cells break down prematurely due to lack of the enzyme G6PD.

Schistocytes

Fragmented red blood cells often seen in conditions like DIC or TTP.

Heinz Bodies

Aggregates of denatured hemoglobin in red blood cells, indicative of oxidative stress.

Complement System

A part of the immune system that enhances the ability to clear microbes and damaged cells.

Reticulocyte Count

A measure of the number of young red blood cells to assess bone marrow response to anemia.

Bilirubin

A substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells; elevated levels indicate hemolysis.

Haptoglobin

A protein that binds free hemoglobin; low levels suggest hemolytic anemia.

LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)

An enzyme that, when elevated, indicates tissue damage or hemolysis.