HEMOLYTIC JAUNDICE AND MACROCYTIC HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA: CERTAIN OBSERVATIONS IN A SERIES OF 35 CASES

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Abstract
35 patients showing evidence of hemolytic anemia or jaundice of which 20 were microcytic were studied. The 15 cases of macrocytic type were all associated with other diseases. The vast majority of the cases of primary hemolytic jaundice were of the familial or congenital type. Using the Bock erythrocytometer, the erythrocytes all measured more than 8.0[mu] in the acquired group of hemolytic anemias. Increased fragility was present in 2 of the 15 cases. In considering pathogenesis of familial jaundice and anemia, 3 factors were of importance (1) the more fragile erythrocytes, (2) hypersplenism, (3) bilirubin excretory function of the liver. Autohemagglutination was a distinguishing feature of acquired hemolytic jaundice. The spleen served as a reservoir for erythrocytes. Adrenalin, by causing a splenic contraction, temporarily increased the red blood cell count by liberation of erythrocytes.