Which of the following disease may cause hemolytic anemia?

UPRVUNL - 2021

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

Malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite, is a primary cause of hemolytic anemia.
The parasite's life cycle involves invading, multiplying within, and ultimately rupturing red blood cells (hemolysis).
This destruction occurs both within the blood vessels (intravascular) and in the spleen (extravascular), leading to anemia, jaundice, and hemoglobinuria.
The other listed diseases cause anemia through different mechanisms, not primarily through hemolysis.

Option B: Leprosy typically causes anemia of chronic disease due to long-term inflammation. Hemolysis is not a direct feature of the infection itself.
Option C: Tuberculosis primarily causes anemia of chronic disease. The chronic inflammation associated with TB suppresses the bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells.
Option D: Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, leads to anemia mainly through bone marrow suppression or, in some cases, gastrointestinal bleeding. It does not directly cause the rupture of red blood cells.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathophysiology of Hemolytic Anemia in Infectious Diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Recognizing the cause of anemia is crucial for appropriate nursing management. In a patient with malaria, nurses must monitor for signs of severe hemolysis, such as jaundice, dark urine, and a rapid drop in hemoglobin.
Key nursing interventions for severe hemolytic anemia include maintaining hydration to prevent kidney damage from excess hemoglobin (acute tubular necrosis), monitoring vital signs, and administering antimalarial drugs as prescribed.
What if? If a patient with a history of G6PD deficiency contracts malaria, the risk of severe hemolysis is even higher. Certain antimalarial drugs (like primaquine) can trigger massive hemolysis in these patients, so G6PD status must be checked before administration.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question: 'hemolytic anemia'. This means an anemia caused by the destruction (lysis) of red blood cells.
Next, consider the pathophysiology of each disease listed in the options.
Recall or deduce how each disease affects the body's systems, particularly the blood.
Malaria: The parasite's life cycle is known to involve the invasion and rupture of red blood cells.
Leprosy & Tuberculosis: These are chronic bacterial infections known to cause 'anemia of chronic disease' through inflammation, not direct cell destruction.
Typhoid: This bacterial infection affects the bone marrow and can cause bleeding, but not direct hemolysis.

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