General Illness Information
Common Name:	ANEMIA, HEMOLYTIC
Medical Term:	None Specified
Description:	Anemia is due to the premature destruction (hemolysis) of matures red blood cells. Normal life span of red blood cells (RBC's) is 120 days. At the end of their life span the RBC's are removed from the circulation by the scavenger cells in the bone marrow, spleen and liver. If a disease destroys the red blood cells prematurely (hemolysis), the bone marrow compensates by increasing its production. When the rate of destruction exceeds the production, hemolytic anemia results.
Causes:
Prevention:	Don't take any medication that has previously triggered hemolytic anemia. Your physician may arrange for a referral to a genetic counselor if you have a history of hemolytic anemia (inherited forms).
Signs & Symptoms
Palness, especially in the hands and lining of the lower eyelids Tiredness and weakness Fainting Breathlessness Rapid hearbeat Susceptibility to infection
Risk Factors
Family history of hemolytic anemia Use of any medication
Diagnosis & Treatment
General Measures: Diagnostic tests will include laboratory blood studies- which includes examination of the blood film, antibody tests hemoglobin electrophoresis and bone marrow tests. 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.
Medications: Depends upon underlying cause Drugs to control the antibody response may be 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, or extremes of temperature.Schedule regular rest periods until you are able to resume normal activity.
Diet: No special diet, unless the source of the disorder is dietary. In the latter case, avoid the food that triggers the hemolytic response.
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
Prognosis
If hemolytic anemia is acquired, it can usually be cured when the cause, such as a drug, is removed. Sometimes the spleen is removed 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.