Ask Our Experts

Get answers to your specific medical questions from UM Medical Center experts.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

Hemolytic crisis

Overview

Definition:

Hemolytic crisis is the rapid destruction of red blood cells ( hemolysis ). The destruction occurs faster than the body can produce more red blood cells.

Alternative Names:

Hemolysis - acute

Considerations:

A hemolytic crisis causes acute (and often severe) anemia, because the body cannot make enough red blood cells to replace those destroyed. This can lead to kidney damage.

Hemolytic crises in persons with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency can be deadly.

Common Causes:

Defects inside red blood cells and problems with the blood can lead to hemolytic anemias , which destroy red blood cells too early. Such conditions can lead to a hemolytic crisis.

Other causes include:

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Sickle cell disease

References:

Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

Review Date: 4/1/2007
Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)