What peripheral smear finding is typical in HUS?

What peripheral smear finding is typical in HUS?

• A. Schistocytes (fragmented red cells)
• B. Macrocytosis
• C. Spherocytes
• D. Target cells

Answer: (A)

HUS causes microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, so red blood cells are fragmented as they pass through small-vessel thrombi. This mechanical destruction produces schistocytes on the peripheral smear, which are a hallmark of MAHA and align with the triad of HUS (hemolysis, low platelets, kidney injury). The other options don’t fit because macrocytosis appears with vitamin deficiencies or certain alcohol-related changes, spherocytes with autoimmune or membrane-defect hemolysis, and target cells with liver disease or certain hemoglobinopathies. So the typical smear finding in HUS is schistocytes.

HUS causes microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, so red blood cells are fragmented as they pass through small-vessel thrombi. This mechanical destruction produces schistocytes on the peripheral smear, which are a hallmark of MAHA and align with the triad of HUS (hemolysis, low platelets, kidney injury). The other options don’t fit because macrocytosis appears with vitamin deficiencies or certain alcohol-related changes, spherocytes with autoimmune or membrane-defect hemolysis, and target cells with liver disease or certain hemoglobinopathies. So the typical smear finding in HUS is schistocytes.