Hemolytic Anemia - Low Cholesterol?

[webersl]

Hi, I'm a Blood Banker - I need some chemistry help on a personal note.

 

Does anyone know about, or have they observed, that people with hemolytic anemias have lowered serum cholesterol?

 

My husband was recently diagnosed with Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Right before it started, his fasting Total Cholesterol was 198mg/dL (we eat vegan - no dietary cholesterol). Right after he was diagnosed, it was 111. Once he was receiving treatment (prednisone) and his hemoglobin began to return to normal, his cholesterol was 146. In a Facebook support group for those with AIHA, there is another person who said their cholesterol decreased significantly post diagnosis.

 

Some brief research led me to believe that hemolysis does NOT interfere with cholesterol tests. I couldn't find anything discussing whether hemolysis could actually lower serum cholesterol in vivo.

 

Has anyone read or seen this before?