Mechanical hemolytic anemia

Mechanical hemolytic anemia
SpecialtyHematology

Mechanical hemolytic anemia is a form of hemolytic anemia due to mechanically induced damage to red blood cells. Red blood cells, while flexible, may in some circumstances succumb to physical shear and compression.[1] This may result in hemoglobinuria. The damage is induced through repetitive mechanical motions such as prolonged marching (march hemoglobinuria) and marathon running.[2][3] Mechanical damage can also be induced through the chronic condition microangiopathic hemolytic anemia or due to prosthetic heart valves.[1]

  1. ^ a b Dan L. Longo, Harrison's Hematology and Oncology, 2010, ISBN 0-07-166335-5; page 121.
  2. ^ Reinhold Munker, Erhard Hiller, Jonathan Glass, Ronald Paquette, Modern Hematology: Biology and Clinical Management, 2007, page 126, ISBN 1-58829-557-5.
  3. ^ Anthony S. Fauci, Eugene Braunwald, Dennis Kasper, Stephen Hauser, Dan L. Longo, Harrison's Manual of Medicine, page 328, 2009, ISBN 0-07-147743-8.