Which type of anemia is hemolytic anemia?

What is hemolytic anemia? Hemolytic anemia is a sub-type of anemia, a common blood disorder that occurs when the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. In hemolytic anemias, the low red blood cell count is caused by the destruction — rather than the underproduction — of red blood cells.

What is intrinsic and extrinsic hemolytic anemia?

Alright, now hemolytic anemias can be classified as intrinsic or extrinsic hemolytic anemias. In intrinsic hemolytic anemias, RBCs are destroyed because they’re defective, while in extrinsic hemolytic anemias, RBCs are normal but are later destroyed outside the bone marrow.

What is the difference between intravascular and extravascular haemolysis?

Intravascular hemolysis occurs when erythrocytes are destroyed in the blood vessel itself, whereas extravascular hemolysis occurs in the hepatic and splenic macrophages within the reticuloendothelial system.

What is mechanical hemolytic anemia?

Mechanical hemolytic anemia is a form of hemolytic anemia due to mechanically induced damage to red blood cells. Red blood cells, while flexible, may in some circumstances succumb to physical shear and compression. This may result in hemoglobinuria.

Who is most at risk for hemolytic anemia?

Some types of hemolytic anemia are more likely to occur in certain populations than others. For example, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency mostly affects males of African or Mediterranean descent. In the United States, the condition is more common among African Americans than Caucasians.

What is the most common cause of hemolytic anemia?

Conditions that may lead to hemolytic anemia include inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow failure, or infections. Some medicines or side effects to blood transfusions may cause hemolytic anemia.

Can stress cause hemolytic anemia?

When cells experience oxidative stress, ROS, which are generated in excess, may oxidize proteins, lipids and DNA – leading to cell death and organ damage. Oxidative stress is believed to aggravate the symptoms of many diseases, including hemolytic anemias.

What infections cause hemolytic anemia?

Some infections that are incriminated in hemolytic anemia and that can be transmission via blood transfusions include: hepatitis, CMV, EBV, HTLV-1, malaria, Rickettsia, Treponema, Brucella, Trypanosoma, Babesia, etc.

Can you live with hemolytic anemia?

People who have mild hemolytic anemia may not need treatment, as long as the condition doesn’t worsen. People who have severe hemolytic anemia usually need ongoing treatment. Severe hemolytic anemia can be fatal if it’s not properly treated.

What is the treatment for hemolytic anemia?

Treatments for hemolytic anemia include blood transfusions, medicines, plasmapheresis (PLAZ-meh-feh-RE-sis), surgery, blood and marrow stem cell transplants, and lifestyle changes. People who have mild hemolytic anemia may not need treatment, as long as the condition doesn’t worsen.

What can trigger hemolytic anemia?

This may happen because of:

• Certain infections, which may be viral or bacterial.
• Medicines, such as penicillin, antimalarial medicines, sulfa medicines, or acetaminophen.
• Blood cancers.
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or ulcerative colitis.
• Certain tumors.
• An overactive spleen (hypersplenism)