Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Methods of Hemolytic Anemias: An Integrative

Abstract

Introduction: Hemoglobinopathies arise from mutations in genes responsible for the synthesis of globin chains and have an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Structural changes globally detected in globin chains include hemoglobin S, hemoglobin C, hemoglobin E and hemoglobin D.

Objective: To review the literature on the main hemoglobinopathies, addressing their pathophysiology, diagnostic methods and the main laboratory abnormalities.

Methods: Specific descriptors (English / Portuguese) related to the Mesh Database and Boolean operator (AND / OR) were adopted. The searches were carried out in PUBMED, LILACS, ScIELO and COCHRANE. The descriptors “hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinopathies and laboratory diagnosis” should be included in the title, and / or keywords and / or summary. In addition, were included studies between 2012 and 2017.

Results: A total of 1.010 references were identified, of which 937 were considered eligible for inclusion. At the end, 79 studies were included in the study.

Conclusions: Considering the importance of a precise and reliable laboratory diagnosis with the clinical presentation presented by the patient, the present study reviewed the scientific literature identifying the main hemoglobinopathies and characterizing the quantitative and qualitative changes in the main hemolytic anemias. It is important to perform and interpret correctly these exams, and whenever possible, include in the patient’s report observations that may aid in clinical management.