Hemolytic crisis
Alternative names:
hemolysis - acute
Definition:
The rapid destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), with release of free hemoglobin into the serum.
Considerations:
Rapid destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) can be triggered in conditions where abnormal RBC membranes are present. These conditions are called hemolytic anemias. Anemia is present because there is always some degree of hemolysis with resulting decreased hematocrit. In some hemolytic anemias, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), exposure to certain chemicals can synchronize the destruction of the RBCs. Massive RBC destruction causes an acute (and often profound) anemia, and this causes overloading of the kidneys with free hemoglobin. Hemolytic crises in G6PD can be fatal.
Common causes:
Note: There may be other causes of hemolytic crisis. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hemolytic crisis, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
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