Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

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Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a subtype of hemolytic anemia, a condition characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) in the circulatory system. In MAHA, the destruction of RBCs is caused by their passage through small, damaged blood vessels.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

MAHA is often associated with a variety of conditions and diseases, including thrombotic microangiopathies such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), malignant hypertension, scleroderma, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

In MAHA, the underlying disease or condition causes damage to the endothelial lining of the small blood vessels. As RBCs pass through these damaged vessels, they are subjected to shear stress and become fragmented. This fragmentation results in the formation of schistocytes, or fragmented RBCs, which are a characteristic feature of MAHA.

Clinical Features[edit | edit source]

Patients with MAHA often present with signs and symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. In addition, they may also exhibit signs of the underlying disease or condition causing the MAHA. For example, patients with TTP may present with neurological symptoms, while those with HUS may have renal symptoms.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of MAHA is typically based on the presence of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and schistocytes on a peripheral blood smear. Additional diagnostic tests may be performed to identify the underlying cause of the MAHA.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of MAHA is primarily aimed at managing the underlying cause. This may involve the use of medications, plasmapheresis, or in some cases, surgical intervention.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD