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In some cases, a drug can cause the immune system to mistakenly think the body's own red blood cells are dangerous, foreign substances. Antibodies then develop against the red blood cells. The antibodies attach to red blood cells and cause them to break down too early. It is known that more than 150 drugs can cause this type of hemolytic anemia ...
Initially, various theories existed about the exact cause of the low platelets in HIT. Gradually, evidence accumulated on the exact underlying mechanism. [ 4 ] In 1984–1986, John G. Kelton and colleagues at McMaster University Medical School developed the laboratory tests that could be used to confirm or exclude heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy can occur due to autoimmune and nonautoimmune mechanisms and commonly implicated causes of nonautoimmune thrombotic microangiopathy various chemotherapeutic drugs, immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine A and tacrolimus, cocaine, or polyethylene oxide (an inert ingredient included with opioids). [8 ...
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an autoimmune disorder which occurs when antibodies directed against the person's own red blood cells (RBCs) cause them to burst , leading to an insufficient number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in circulation . The lifetime of the RBCs is reduced from the normal 100–120 days to just a few days in ...
Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. [6] Anemia can be caused by blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, and increased red blood cell breakdown. [1] Causes of blood loss include bleeding due to inflammation of the stomach or intestines, bleeding from surgery, serious injury, or blood donation. [1]
Hematocrit levels that are too high or too low can indicate a blood disorder, dehydration, or other medical conditions. [4] An abnormally low hematocrit may suggest anemia, a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells, while an abnormally high hematocrit is called polycythemia. [5] Both are potentially life-threatening disorders.
Low levels of platelets in turn may lead to prolonged or excessive bleeding. It is the most common coagulation disorder among intensive care patients and is seen in a fifth of medical patients and a third of surgical patients. [3] A normal human platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/microliter (μL) of blood. [4]
Rare acquired causes of microcytic anemia include lead poisoning, zinc deficiency, copper deficiency, alcohol, and certain medications. [ 3 ] Other causes that are typically thought of as causing normocytic anemia or macrocytic anemia must also be considered, as the presence of two or more causes of anemia can distort the typical picture.