Haemolytic anaemia

Abstract

Haemolytic anaemia is characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells. There are multiple pathological mechanisms including immune, infection, congenital, mechanical and microangiopathic. A direct antiglobulin test can help to differentiate between immune and non-immune mediated haemolysis. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia can be further divided into cold and warm haemolysis depending on the type of antibody responsible for the red cell destruction. Management depends on the type identified and includes supportive measures, such as transfusion and folic acid supplementation, and immunosuppression.