Definition:
Hemoglobinuria is a disease characterized by the presence of abnormally high hemoglobin concentrations in the urine. The free hemoglobins in the urine is caused by filtration from the kidney, causing urine to be reddish in color.
Diagnosis:
Tests to determine white and red blood cell count are conducted. Diagnosis for hemoglobinuria would reveal low results for both counts. Other diagnostic procedures include urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), Ham’s (acid hemolysin) test, Coombes’ tests, flow cytometry (for measurement of certain proteins), sucrose hemolysis test, and serum hemoglobin and haptoglobin.
Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent hemoglobinuria in leading to acute tubular necrosis, a common cause of death.
Treatment:
Drugs to suppress the immune system are usually given in order to slow the breaking down of red blood cells, such as steroids. Folic acid and supplemental iron are also given, although in some cases blood transfusion may be needed.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of hemoglobinuria include shortness of breath, back pain, dark urine, blood clots, headache, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Causes:
A number of factors may cause hemoglobinuria: burns, sickle cell anemia, renal cancers, pyelonephritis, acute glomerulonephritis, exertional hemoglobinuria, malaria, tuberculosis of the urinary tract, transfusion immune reaction, thrombotic thrombocytic purpura, exertional hemoglobinuria, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
