INTRODUCTION Polycythemia, also referred to as erythrocytosis, is characterized by an increased red cell mass. There is no consensus on terminology (ie, primary familial polycythemia but postrenal transplantation erythrocytosis). Polycythemias…
DEFINITION Acquired erythrocyte fragmentation occurs when red cells are forced at high shear stress through partial vascular occlusions or over abnormal vascular surfaces. In circumstances in which fragmentation of red…
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS Three mechanisms of drug-related immunologic injury to red cells are defined: — Hapten/drug adsorption involving drug-dependent antibodies — Ternary complex formation involving drug-dependent antibodies — Induction of…
INTRODUCTION Hemolysis represents a prominent part of the overall clinical picture in many infections. Table 21–1 lists the microorganisms associated with the induction of hemolytic anemia. TABLE 21–1ORGANISMS THAT CAUSE…
THE SPLEEN The white pulp (lymphoid tissue) functions in antigen processing and antibody production. The red pulp (monocyte-macrophage system) serves as a filter, retaining defective blood cells and foreign particles….
