Differential Diagnosis for Haemolytic Anemia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA): This is often the most common cause of hemolytic anemia in adults, characterized by the production of autoantibodies against the patient's own red blood cells, leading to their destruction.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hereditary Spherocytosis: A genetic disorder affecting the red blood cell membrane, leading to the production of abnormal, sphere-shaped red blood cells that are prone to premature destruction.
- Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency: A genetic disorder that affects the enzyme responsible for protecting red blood cells from oxidative damage, leading to their destruction under certain conditions.
- Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder causing red blood cells to be misshapen (sickle-shaped), leading to their premature destruction and other complications.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malaria: Although less common in certain regions, malaria is a critical diagnosis to consider due to its high morbidity and mortality if left untreated. It causes hemolytic anemia by infecting and destroying red blood cells.
- Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Both are characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and organ dysfunction. They are medical emergencies requiring prompt treatment.
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): A rare, acquired, life-threatening disease of the blood characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, bone marrow failure, and the potential for thrombotic events.
Rare Diagnoses
- Parvovirus B19 Infection: Can cause transient aplastic crisis in individuals with underlying hemolytic diseases but is less commonly a primary cause of hemolytic anemia in the general population.
- Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder leading to copper accumulation in the body, which can cause hemolytic anemia among other symptoms.
- Babesiosis: A rare disease caused by infection with Babesia, a group of microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells, typically transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.