In HELLP syndrome, which of the following laboratory criteria most specifically defines 'microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia' on peripheral smear?

• A Spherocytes and polychromasia
• B Target cells and Howell-Jolly bodies
• C Pencil cells and hypersegmented neutrophils
• D Schistocytes (fragmented red cells) and burr cells ✓

Explanation

Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) in HELLP syndrome is characterised by mechanical fragmentation of erythrocytes passing through fibrin strands deposited in the microvasculature, producing schistocytes (helmet cells, fragmented red cells) and burr cells on the peripheral smear. Spherocytes are seen in immune haemolytic anaemias, target cells in haemoglobinopathies, and pencil cells in iron-deficiency anaemia.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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