What would be the expected reticulocyte count in a patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia?

In autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys red blood cells, leading to a decrease in the overall red blood cell mass. In response to this hemolysis, the body attempts to compensate for the reduced number of circulating red blood cells by increasing erythropoiesis, which is the production of new red blood cells in the bone marrow.

The reticulocyte count is a measure of how many new red blood cells are being created and released into the bloodstream. In the case of AIHA, this count is typically increased. The bone marrow responds to the rapid destruction of red blood cells by producing more reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells. Therefore, the expected reticulocyte count would be elevated in this condition, reflecting the body's attempt to compensate for the ongoing hemolysis.

In summary, the increased reticulocyte count in a patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia indicates an active response by the bone marrow to replenish the destroyed red blood cells, which is why the correct answer is an increased reticulocyte count.