SUMMARY On the basis of the hypothesis that in the regions where favism is present a high correlation exists between endemic malaria and the frequency of G-6-PD deficiency, Huheey and Martin (1975) in a recent paper suggest that the haemolytic event in a malarial environment is a favourable selective factor. Therefore, the fitness of the G-6-PD-deficient individual who shows haemolysis is highe...

Three neonates with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are described. All three patients suffered an episode of massive acute haemolysis, in the absence of blood group incompatibilities, infection, or ingestion of oxidising agents known to trigger haemolysis. One patient died, but the other two survived after an exchange transfusion. This highlights that G6PD deficiency in the ...

The immune haemolytic anaemias comprise a set of diseases characterized by shortened red blood cell survival (haemolysis) mediated by the action of antibodies and serum complement. The haemolysis is evidenced by a raised reticulocyte count in the absence of blood loss. Activity of the immune system is diagnosed by the presence of antibody or fragments of complement components (mainly C3 and C4)...

Four cases are described in which totally cloth-covered Starr-Edwards valves (model 2300) had to be removed. All were causing significant haemolysis, two in the absence of a peripheral leak. The principal operative finding was destruction of the Dacron covering the struts. Following replacement of these prostheses there was complete resolution of signs and symptoms. The possible causes of haemo...

Three neonates with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are described. All three patients suffered an episode of massive acute haemolysis, in the absence of blood group incompatibilities, infection, or ingestion of oxidising agents known to trigger haemolysis. One patient died, but the other two survived after an exchange transfusion. This highlights that G6PD deficiency in the ...

Seventy-four patients with single prosthetic valves (Björk-Shiley or Starr-Edwards) in the mitral or aortic position and 18 controls with rheumatic valvar heart disease were investigated for evidence of intravascular haemolysis. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was used as the most sensitive indicator of haemolysis. Raised concentrations were found in a third of 39 patients with Björk-Shiley p...

We report seven consecutive episodes of acute massive haemolysis accompanied by symptomatic anaemia and gross haemoglobinuria in six boys with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency seen in a regional hospital during a 12-year period. They presented at a mean age of 5.5 years (range, 1.5-11.3 years) with trough haemoglobin levels between 35 and 84 g/L. Two children developed transient ren...

Haemolysis is a well-recognized, rare complication of haemodialysis. The most common reasons for haemodialysis-associated haemolysis are chemical contamination, heat or mechanical injury of erythrocytes from occluded or partially occluded (kinked) haemodialysis lines [1–7]. Tandem dialyzers are occasionally used to improve dialysis dose, especially in patients with high muscle mass [8]. The two...