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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:26 Causes of hemolytic anemia
2:30 Symptoms of hemolytic anemia
Diagnosis of hemolytic anemia
3:03 Treatment of hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia is a form of anemia due to hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs), either in the blood vessels (intravascular hemolysis) or elsewhere in the human body (extravascular).[1] This most commonly occurs within the spleen, but also can occur in the reticuloendothelial system or mechanically (prosthetic valve damage).[1] Hemolytic anemia accounts for 5% of all existing anemias.[1] It has numerous possible consequences, ranging from general symptoms to life-threatening systemic effects.[1] The general classification of hemolytic anemia is either intrinsic or extrinsic.[2] Treatment depends on the type and cause of the hemolytic anemia.[1]
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia are similar to other forms of anemia (fatigue and shortness of breath), but in addition, the breakdown of red cells leads to jaundice and increases the risk of particular long-term complications, such as gallstones[3] and pulmonary hypertension.[4]
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia are similar to the general signs of anemia.[1] General signs and symptoms include: fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and tachycardia.[1] In small children, failure to thrive may occur in any form of anemia.[5][6] In addition, symptoms related to hemolysis may be present such as chills, jaundice, dark urine, and an enlarged spleen.[1] Certain aspects of the medical history can suggest a cause for hemolysis, such as drugs, medication side effects, autoimmune disorders, blood transfusion reactions, the presence of prosthetic heart valve, or other medical illness.[1]
Chronic hemolysis leads to an increased excretion of bilirubin into the biliary tract, which in turn may lead to gallstones.[7] The continuous release of free hemoglobin has been linked with the development of pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure over the pulmonary artery); this, in turn, leads to episodes of syncope (fainting), chest pain, and progressive breathlessness.[8] Pulmonary hypertension eventually causes right ventricular heart failure, the symptoms of which are peripheral edema (fluid accumulation in the skin of the legs) and ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity).[8]