This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Haematology, Subject name: Pathology
Low serum haptoglobin in hemolysis is masked by - 
Select and explain. 
A. Pregnancy, B. Liver disease, C. Bile duct obstruction, D. Malnutriotion
C: Bile duct obstruction
Answer: C: Bile duct obstruction 
Explanation: Haptoglobin is an acute phase protein and its level increased in case of any inflammation. In hemolytic anemias there is fall in serum haptoglobin levels. If there is any inflammation along with it there will be rise in haptoglobin levels as it is an a/c phase protein (eg biliary obstruction causes inflammation) Ref:Postgraduate Hematology by Victor Hoffbrand pg 127 Ref Robbins 9/e pg 419