Anemia and the liver. Hepatobiliary manifestations of anemia

Clin Liver Dis. 2002 Nov;6(4):891-907, viii. doi: 10.1016/s1089-3261(02)00050-8.

Abstract

Many types of hemolytic anemia may be associated with liver disease. Liver injury can be caused by the adherence of deformed or hemolyzed erythrocyses to hepatic vascular endothelium. Adhesion of large numbers of hemolyzed red blood cells to hepatic macrophages, or occlusion of hepatic sinusoids by fragmented red cells, can also result in injury of the liver. Thrombosis of the hepatic or portal vein is associated with some types of hemolytic anemia, and can cause severe liner injury. These are some examples of hepatic injury that can be caused by hemolytic anemias. This article discusses some aspects of liver disease that is associated with sickle cell anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hereditary spherocytosis, and HELLP syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / complications*
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency / complications
  • HELLP Syndrome / complications
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / etiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Spherocytosis, Hereditary / complications