HEALTH GUIDE INDEX / A / ANEMIA, HEMOLYTIC

BASIC INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

Anemia due to the premature destruction of mature red blood cells. Bone marrow cannot produce red blood cells fast enough to compensate for those being destroyed, a process known as hemolysis.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, dark urine).
  • Enlarged spleen.

    • CAUSES

  • Often the cause is unknown.
  • Inherited disorder, such as hereditary spherocytosis, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia.
  • Favism (an acute hemolytic anemia caused by the ingestion of the fava bean) is common in certain individuals, primarily of Greek descent, due to a hereditary biochemical lesion.
  • Antibodies produced by the body to fight infections, which for unknown reason attack red blood cells. This response is sometimes triggered by blood transfusions.
  • Use of medications, including non-prescription drugs, that damage red blood cells.

    • RISK INCREASES WITH

  • Family history of hemolytic anemia.
  • Use of any medication.

    • PREVENTIVE MEASURES

  • Don't take any medicine that has previously triggered hemolytic anemia.
  • Seek genetic counseling before having children if you have a family history of hemolytic anemia (inherited forms).

    • EXPECTED OUTCOMES

  • If hemolytic anemia is acquired, it can usually be cured when the cause, such as a drug, is removed. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the spleen surgically.
  • If secondary to an underlying disorder, the prognosis is determined by the course of the primary disease.
  • If hemolytic anemia is inherited, it is currently considered incurable. However, symptoms can be relieved or controlled.
  • Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.

    • POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Excessive spleen enlargement, which increases destruction of red blood cells.
  • Pain, shock and serious illness caused by hemolysis (red-blood-cell destruction).
  • Gallstones.

    • TREATMENT

    GENERAL MEASURES

  • Diagnostic tests will include laboratory blood studies.
  • Treatment is individualized depending on the specific hemolytic problem.
  • Some types may be preventable by avoidance of the drugs or foods that precipitate hemolysis.
  • Surgical removal of the spleen may be recommended.
  • Additional information is available from the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, Communications & Public Information Branch, National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 41-21, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892.

    • MEDICATIONS

  • Immunosuppressive (e.g., prednisone) drugs to control the antibody response are usually prescribed.
  • Medication to reduce pain. For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.

    • ACTIVITY

  • After treatment, resume normal activities as soon as possible.
  • Avoid cold temperatures.

    • DIET

    No special diet.

    NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF

    • You or a family member has symptoms of hemolytic anemia.
    • The following occur during treatment:
      Fever.
      Cough.
      Sore throat.
      Swollen joints.
      Muscle aches.
      Bloody urine.
      Signs of infection in any part of the body (redness, pain, swelling, fever).
    • New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

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