Premature destruction of mature red blood cells which then causes Anemia. Bone marrow cannot produce red blood cells fast enough to replace those being destroyed. This process is known as hemolysis.
Causes of Anemia, Hemolytic
The specific cause of hemolytic anemia is unknown. It is seen in inherited disorders, such as hereditary spherocytosis, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, sickle-cell anemia or Thalassemia. Favism (an acute hemolytic anemia caused by eating fava beans) is common in certain people, primarily of Greek descent, due to an inherited biochemical lesion. Antibodies produced by the body may attack and destroy red blood cells. This type of reaction may be triggered by blood transfusions, use of medications, including non-prescription drugs, that damage red blood cells.
Signs and Symptoms of Anemia, Hemolytic
Symptoms include: fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, dark urine) and enlarged spleen.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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