Blood Diseases

Anemias

Hemolytic Anemia

What is hemolytic anemia?

Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them. The term for destruction of red blood cells is hemolysis. There are two types of hemolytic anemia, including the following:

intrinsic - the destruction of the red blood cells due to a defect within the red blood cells themselves. Intrinsic hemolytic anemias are often inherited, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. These conditions produce red blood cells that do not live as long as normal red blood cells.
extrinsic - red blood cells are produced healthy but are later destroyed by becoming trapped in the spleen, destroyed by infection, or destroyed from drugs that can affect red blood cells. The following lists some of the causes of extrinsic hemolytic anemia, also called autoimmune hemolytic anemia:
- infections, such as hepatitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), typhoid fever, E. coli, or streptococcus
- medications, such as penicillin, antimalaria medications, sulfa medications, or acetaminophen
- leukemia or lymphoma
- autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE, or lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, or ulcerative colitis
- various tumors

Some types of extrinsic hemolytic anemia are temporary and resolve over several months. Other types can become chronic with periods of remissions and recurrence.

What are the symptoms of hemolytic anemia?

The following are the most common symptoms of hemolytic anemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin
jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mouth
dark color to urine
fever
weakness
dizziness
confusion
intolerance to physical activity
enlargement of the spleen and liver
increased heart rate (tachycardia)
heart murmur

The symptoms of hemolytic anemia may resemble other blood conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is hemolytic anemia diagnosed?

Hemolytic anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a routine blood test. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for hemolytic anemia may include additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures, particularly to check for an enlarged spleen or liver.

Treatment for hemolytic anemia:

Specific treatment for hemolytic anemia will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
cause of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference
Hemolytic anemia is often difficult to treat.

Treatment may include:

vitamin and mineral supplements
change in diet
medication
treatment of the causative disease
splenectomy - surgery to remove the spleen.

This page was last updated on: January 30, 2008.

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