MAHA
| = Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia | |
|---|---|
| Etiology | Disseminated intravascular coagulation, Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, severe aortic stenosis etc... (DIC: clotting factors + platelets stuck together; TTP: networks of platelets; prosthetic valve) |
| Epidemiology | |
| Clinical presentation | See Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura |
| Pathogenesis | mechanical shearing of RBCs. TTP can be familial, associated with Shiga toxin (E. coli O157:H7) or idiopathic |
| Diagnostic investigations | Clotting screen: normal FBC: ↓ Plt, ↓ factor VIII, ↑ retics Blood film: schistocytes, “helmet cells” Direct antiglobulin test: +ve (excludes immune |
| Management | ➥ May require dialysis with AKI ➥ AVOID platelets! ➥ Good prognosis if caught early |