MAHA
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
MAHA stands for Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Hemolytic anemia in which red cells are torn apart as they pass through small vessels clogged with clots or damaged lining, leaving fragmented cells (schistocytes) on the blood smear. It is the hallmark of thrombotic microangiopathies such as TTP and HUS.
Example: Schistocytes 3 per high-power field, LDH 1,100, undetectable haptoglobin and platelets 18: MAHA with thrombocytopenia, check ADAMTS13.
Usage notes
Causes include TTP, hemolytic uremic syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, malignant hypertension, HELLP syndrome, cancer and certain drugs. Mechanical heart valves and devices can cause a similar shearing hemolysis. Finding MAHA with low platelets is treated as a medical emergency until TTP is excluded.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- irAE – Immune-related adverse event
- ITP – Immune thrombocytopenia
- JAK2 – Janus kinase 2
- KPS – Karnofsky Performance Status
- KRAS – Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog
- LA – Lupus anticoagulant
- MCL – Mantle cell lymphoma
- mCRPC – Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
- MDS – Myelodysplastic syndrome
- mets – Metastases
- MGUS – Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
- MM – Multiple myeloma
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.