Hemolytic crisis
Definition
Hemolytic crisis is the rapid destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). The destruction occurs faster than the body can produce more red blood cells.
Alternative Names
Hemolysis - acuteConsiderations
A hemolytic crisis causes acute (and often severe) anemia, because the body cannot make enough red blood cells to replace those destroyed. This can lead to kidney damage.
Hemolytic crises in persons with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency can be deadly.
Causes
Defects inside red blood cells and problems with the blood can lead to hemolytic anemias, which destroy red blood cells too early. Such conditions can lead to a hemolytic crisis.
Other causes include:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- Sickle cell disease
References
Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.
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