Which condition is typically characterized by an increased reticulocyte count?

An increased reticulocyte count is a hallmark of hemolytic anemia because this condition leads to the destruction of red blood cells. When red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, the bone marrow responds to the decreased red blood cell count by producing more reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells. This compensatory mechanism causes the reticulocyte count to rise as the body attempts to replace the lost cells.

In contrast, conditions like aplastic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, and anemia of chronic disease typically do not show an increased reticulocyte count. Aplastic anemia results from the failure of the bone marrow to produce enough blood cells, leading to a low reticulocyte count. Iron deficiency anemia, despite being a form of anemia, often presents with a normal or decreased reticulocyte count because iron deficiency limits red blood cell production. Anemia of chronic disease is also characterized by a low reticulocyte count, as it involves underproduction of red blood cells in response to chronic inflammation or disease, rather than destruction. Hence, hemolytic anemia uniquely features elevated reticulocyte levels as a response to increased red blood cell turnover.