Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for:
New confusion, fainting, seizure, or difficulty waking
Sudden weakness, facial drooping, or trouble speaking
Chest pain or severe difficulty breathing
Little or no urine with rapidly worsening illness
Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
These symptoms can indicate serious organ injury.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Newly suspected MAHA needs prompt medical assessment.
If a blood test shows schistocytes together with anemia or low platelets, contact the clinician who ordered the test the same day unless a clear follow-up plan has already been provided.
Seek urgent medical care for new dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, marked weakness, unexplained bruising, reduced urination, or worsening swelling.
During pregnancy or soon after delivery, urgent assessment is needed for severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, high blood pressure, or sudden swelling.
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.