Intravascular Haemolysis Markers

Intravascular haemolysis involves the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) directly within blood vessels. This process releases haemoglobin and other RBC components into the plasma, affecting specific laboratory measurements.

Marker Changes Explained

• Bilirubin: Increased. The breakdown of haemoglobin releases bilirubin precursors, leading to elevated levels.
• LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase): Increased. LDH is an enzyme found in high concentrations within RBCs. Its release into the plasma indicates cell lysis.
• Reticulocyte Count: Increased. In response to RBC destruction and resultant anaemia, the bone marrow increases production and release of immature RBCs (reticulocytes).
• Haptoglobin: Decreased. Haptoglobin is a protein that binds free haemoglobin. During intravascular haemolysis, the excess free haemoglobin overwhelms the binding capacity of haptoglobin, leading to its consumption and thus a decrease in plasma levels.

Haptoglobin levels are characteristically reduced, not raised, in intravascular haemolysis.