Oct

1

2025

Why is LDH disproportionately elevated in intravascular hemolysis compared to hereditary spherocytosis?

By William Aird

In intravascular hemolysis, red cells rupture directly in circulation, releasing large amounts of cytosolic LDH into plasma. In hereditary spherocytosis (extravascular), intact RBCs are engulfed and digested by macrophages, so LDH remains contained within the macrophage and is not markedly elevated.