Hemolysis: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Hemolysis.jpg| | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Hemolysis | |||
| image = [[File:Hemolysis.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Blood sample showing hemolysis | |||
| field = [[Hematology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Fatigue]], [[pallor]], [[jaundice]], [[dark urine]] | |||
| complications = [[Anemia]], [[kidney failure]], [[heart failure]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = [[Intravascular hemolysis]], [[extravascular hemolysis]] | |||
| causes = [[Autoimmune disorders]], [[infections]], [[medications]], [[genetic disorders]] | |||
| risks = [[G6PD deficiency]], [[sickle cell disease]], [[thalassemia]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Complete blood count]], [[reticulocyte count]], [[haptoglobin]], [[lactate dehydrogenase]] | |||
| differential = [[Anemia]], [[jaundice]], [[liver disease]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of triggers, vaccination | |||
| treatment = [[Blood transfusion]], [[corticosteroids]], [[immunosuppressants]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Varies depending on cause | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
The breakdown of [[red blood cells]] is called Hemolysis. Literally speaking, hemo means blood and lysis means breakdown. Some diseases, medicines, and toxins may cause red blood cells to break down more quickly than usual. Red blood cells normally live for 110 to 120 days. After that, they naturally break down and are most often removed from the circulation by the [[spleen]]. | The breakdown of [[red blood cells]] is called Hemolysis. Literally speaking, hemo means blood and lysis means breakdown. Some diseases, medicines, and toxins may cause red blood cells to break down more quickly than usual. Red blood cells normally live for 110 to 120 days. After that, they naturally break down and are most often removed from the circulation by the [[spleen]]. | ||
[[File:HEMOLYSIS.jpg|HEMOLYSIS|thumb]] | [[File:HEMOLYSIS.jpg|HEMOLYSIS|thumb]] | ||
==Causes of hemoloysis== | ==Causes of hemoloysis== | ||
However, some diseases and processes cause red blood cells to break down too soon which is called hemolysis. This requires the bone marrow to make more red blood cells than normal. The balance between red blood cell breakdown and production determines how low the red blood cell count becomes. | However, some diseases and processes cause red blood cells to break down too soon which is called hemolysis. This requires the bone marrow to make more red blood cells than normal. The balance between red blood cell breakdown and production determines how low the red blood cell count becomes. | ||
==Conditions causing hemoloysis== | ==Conditions causing hemoloysis== | ||
[[File:Staphylococcus aureus on blood agar, mildly backlit.jpg|thumb|Staphylococcus aureus on blood agar, mildly backlit]] | [[File:Staphylococcus aureus on blood agar, mildly backlit.jpg|thumb|Staphylococcus aureus on blood agar, mildly backlit]] | ||
Conditions that can cause hemolysis include: | Conditions that can cause hemolysis include: | ||
* Immune reactions | * Immune reactions | ||
* Infections | * Infections | ||
* Some medicines | * Some medicines | ||
* Toxins and poisons | * Toxins and poisons | ||
==Symptoms of Hemolysis== | ==Symptoms of Hemolysis== | ||
You may not have symptoms if the anemia is mild. If the problem develops slowly, the first symptoms may be: | You may not have symptoms if the anemia is mild. If the problem develops slowly, the first symptoms may be: | ||
* Feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise | * Feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise | ||
* Feelings that your heart is pounding or racing | * Feelings that your heart is pounding or racing | ||
* Headaches | * Headaches | ||
* Problems concentrating or thinking | * Problems concentrating or thinking | ||
If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include: | If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include: | ||
* Lightheadedness when you stand up | * Lightheadedness when you stand up | ||
* Pale skin | * Pale skin | ||
| Line 30: | Line 45: | ||
* Sore tongue | * Sore tongue | ||
* Enlarged spleen | * Enlarged spleen | ||
= Hemolytic crisis = | = Hemolytic crisis = | ||
Hemolytic crisis occurs when large numbers of red blood cells are destroyed over a short time. The loss of red blood cells occurs much faster than the body can produce new red blood cells. During a hemolytic crisis, the body cannot make enough red blood cells to replace those that are destroyed. This causes acute and often severe anemia. The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen called [[hemoglobin]] is released into the bloodstream. This can lead to [[kidney]] damage. | Hemolytic crisis occurs when large numbers of red blood cells are destroyed over a short time. The loss of red blood cells occurs much faster than the body can produce new red blood cells. During a hemolytic crisis, the body cannot make enough red blood cells to replace those that are destroyed. This causes acute and often severe anemia. The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen called [[hemoglobin]] is released into the bloodstream. This can lead to [[kidney]] damage. | ||
==Diagnosis of Hemolytic Anemia== | ==Diagnosis of Hemolytic Anemia== | ||
Hemolysis can lead to hemolytic [[anemia]]. When your condition is stable, your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. The physical exam may show swelling of the spleen ([[splenomegaly]]). | Hemolysis can lead to hemolytic [[anemia]]. When your condition is stable, your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. The physical exam may show swelling of the spleen ([[splenomegaly]]). Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. | ||
Tests that may be done include: | Tests that may be done include: | ||
* Blood chemistry panel | * Blood chemistry panel | ||
* [[Complete blood count]] (CBC) | * [[Complete blood count]] (CBC) | ||
| Line 46: | Line 56: | ||
* Kidney or abdominal CT scan | * Kidney or abdominal CT scan | ||
* Kidney or abdominal ultrasound | * Kidney or abdominal ultrasound | ||
==Treatment of Hemolylis== | ==Treatment of Hemolylis== | ||
Treatments such as [[hemodialysis]] or the use of the [[heart lung bypass machine]]. | Treatments such as [[hemodialysis]] or the use of the [[heart lung bypass machine]]. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
Outcome depends on the type and cause of hemolytic anemia. Severe anemia can make [[heart disease]], lung disease, or cerebrovascular disease worse. | Outcome depends on the type and cause of hemolytic anemia. Severe anemia can make [[heart disease]], lung disease, or cerebrovascular disease worse. | ||
Latest revision as of 03:01, 6 April 2025
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| Hemolysis | |
|---|---|
| File:Hemolysis.jpg | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, pallor, jaundice, dark urine |
| Complications | Anemia, kidney failure, heart failure |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | Intravascular hemolysis, extravascular hemolysis |
| Causes | Autoimmune disorders, infections, medications, genetic disorders |
| Risks | G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disease, thalassemia |
| Diagnosis | Complete blood count, reticulocyte count, haptoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase |
| Differential diagnosis | Anemia, jaundice, liver disease |
| Prevention | Avoidance of triggers, vaccination |
| Treatment | Blood transfusion, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Varies depending on cause |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
The breakdown of red blood cells is called Hemolysis. Literally speaking, hemo means blood and lysis means breakdown. Some diseases, medicines, and toxins may cause red blood cells to break down more quickly than usual. Red blood cells normally live for 110 to 120 days. After that, they naturally break down and are most often removed from the circulation by the spleen.
Causes of hemoloysis[edit]
However, some diseases and processes cause red blood cells to break down too soon which is called hemolysis. This requires the bone marrow to make more red blood cells than normal. The balance between red blood cell breakdown and production determines how low the red blood cell count becomes.
Conditions causing hemoloysis[edit]
Conditions that can cause hemolysis include:
- Immune reactions
- Infections
- Some medicines
- Toxins and poisons
Symptoms of Hemolysis[edit]
You may not have symptoms if the anemia is mild. If the problem develops slowly, the first symptoms may be:
- Feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise
- Feelings that your heart is pounding or racing
- Headaches
- Problems concentrating or thinking
If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include:
- Lightheadedness when you stand up
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Sore tongue
- Enlarged spleen
Hemolytic crisis[edit]
Hemolytic crisis occurs when large numbers of red blood cells are destroyed over a short time. The loss of red blood cells occurs much faster than the body can produce new red blood cells. During a hemolytic crisis, the body cannot make enough red blood cells to replace those that are destroyed. This causes acute and often severe anemia. The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen called hemoglobin is released into the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney damage.
Diagnosis of Hemolytic Anemia[edit]
Hemolysis can lead to hemolytic anemia. When your condition is stable, your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. The physical exam may show swelling of the spleen (splenomegaly). Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Tests that may be done include:
- Blood chemistry panel
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Coombs test
- Haptoglobin blood and urine
- Kidney or abdominal CT scan
- Kidney or abdominal ultrasound
Treatment of Hemolylis[edit]
Treatments such as hemodialysis or the use of the heart lung bypass machine.
Prognosis[edit]
Outcome depends on the type and cause of hemolytic anemia. Severe anemia can make heart disease, lung disease, or cerebrovascular disease worse.
