A patient with anemia is found to have a high level of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and a low level of serum haptoglobin. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A Iron deficiency anemia
B Vitamin deficiency anemia
C Hemolytic anemia ✓
D Anemia of chronic disease

Explanation

Elevated LDH and low haptoglobin are indicative of intravascular hemolysis, which is a characteristic feature of hemolytic anemia.

Mnemonic

LDH high, haptoglobin low = hemolysis in tow

Source

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high