Hemoglobinemia

Hemoglobinemia is an increased content of hemoglobin in the blood plasma.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Normally, hemoglobin is found only inside red blood cells. With hemoglobinemia, red blood cells are destroyed (hemolysis) and hemoglobin is released into the blood plasma.

Causes of hemoglobinemia:

1. Congenital hemolytic anemias (spherocytosis, elliptocytosis)

2. Acquired hemolytic anemia

3. Acute poisoning (nitrates, aniline, etc.)

4. Infections (malaria, sepsis)

5. Artificial hemolysis as a result of incompatible transfusion

6. Mechanical hemolysis during artificial circulation

With severe hemoglobinemia, the urine becomes dark, “the color of Coca-Cola” due to the excretion of hemoglobin by the kidneys.

Diagnosis is based on detection of elevated hemoglobin levels in plasma.

Treatment depends on the cause and is aimed at eliminating hemolysis. Hemodialysis may be required.

Hemoglobinemia is a condition in which the level of hemoglobin in the blood is significantly elevated. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells and is responsible for transporting oxygen in the body. When hemoglobin levels increase, part of the oxygen that is missing is transferred not to the tissues, but to the respiratory organs