MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Mechanical hemolysis is caused by prosthetic valve dysfunction. The pathogenesis is hydrodynamic shearing of the erythrocytes by turbulent flow [1]. Mild mechanical hemolytic anemia can be treated with beta-blockers, iron supplements, and pentoxifylline [2].

Detailed explanation-2: -Hemolysis is one of the potentially serious complications of prosthetic heart valves. It is usually associated with either structural deterioration or paravalvular leak. Mild, compensated hemolysis associated with mechanical heart valves is not uncommon even in the current era.

Detailed explanation-3: -An overactive spleen (hypersplenism) Mechanical heart valves that may damage red blood cells as they leave the heart.

Detailed explanation-4: -Parasites, viruses and bacteria that invade your body can damage your red blood cells and cause them to break down before your body can make replacements. The most well-known infectious cause of hemolysis is malaria, which involves a parasite that attacks red blood cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -Alli said valve leaks can cause red blood cells to be destroyed. This lays the groundwork for hemolytic anemia or hemolysis, where the patients need blood transfusions just to keep their blood volume up. They can also cause heart failure that creates shortness of breath and makes doing simple tasks difficult.