In medicine, hemoglobinuria is a condition in which the oxygen transport protein hemoglobin is found in abnormally high concentrations in the urine. The condition is often associated with hemolytic anemia, in which red blood cells are destroyed, thereby increasing levels of free plasma hemoglobin. The excess hemoglobin is filtered by the kidneys, which release it into the urine, giving urine a red colour.

Causes

Acute glomerulonephritis
Burns
Renal cancers
Malaria
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)
Pyelonephritis
Sickle cell anemia
Transfusion immune reaction
Thrombotic thrombocytic purpura (TTP)
Tuberculosis of the urinary tract
Exertional hemoglobinuria

Complications

Hemoglobinuria can lead to acute tubular necrosis and is a common cause of death of multi-traumatic patients recovering on the ICU.

See also

• Hematuria