Hemolytic anemia is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and jaundice. In hemolytic anemia, certain blood tests will show that the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are all abnormally low. Additionally, a number of other tests may show that the levels of bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and haptoglobin are all abnormally high.
Bilirubin Levels
Bilirubin is a yellowish-brown pigment in the blood that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. In hemolytic anemia, bilirubin levels are usually high due to the increased breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin can lead to jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme present in many cells in the body, including red blood cells. In hemolytic anemia, the LDH levels in the blood are usually abnormally high due to the increased breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of LDH can be an indicator of hemolytic anemia.
Haptoglobin Levels
Haptoglobin is a protein in the blood that binds to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells. In hemolytic anemia, the haptoglobin levels in the blood are usually abnormally high due to the increased breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of haptoglobin can be an indicator of hemolytic anemia.
