Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia natural history, complications and prognosis

If left untreated, 90% of patients with [[[microangiopathic hemolytic anemia]] may die^[1].
The prognosis can be improved with prompt treatment. Therapeutic plasmapheresis reduces mortality rate to 20%^[1].
Common complications of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia include^[2]:
- acute renal failure with raised serum urea and creatinine levels
- intracranial hemorrhage as a consequence of severe thrombocytopenia
- myocardial infarction due to coronary artery occlusion

Reference

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Rock GA, Shumak KH, Buskard NA, Blanchette VS, Kelton JG, Nair RC; et al. (1991). “Comparison of plasma exchange with plasma infusion in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Canadian Apheresis Study Group”. N Engl J Med. 325 (6): 393–7. doi:10.1056/NEJM199108083250604. PMID 2062330.
↑ Scully, Marie; Hunt, Beverley J.; Benjamin, Sylvia; Liesner, Ri; Rose, Peter; Peyvandi, Flora; Cheung, Betty; Machin, Samuel J. (2012). “Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and other thrombotic microangiopathies”. British Journal of Haematology. 158 (3): 323–335. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09167.x. ISSN 0007-1048.