The two main causes of hemolytic anemia are outside factors like autoimmune disorders, infections, medications, or physical damage, also known as Acquired (Extrinsic) and red blood cell defects like sickle cell or thalassemia, which is known as Inherited (Intrinsic).
Inherited (Intrinsic) causes of hemolytic anemia are genetic defects within the red blood cells, themselves.
The genetic defects within the red blood cells make them fragile and short lived.
Hemoglobin defects causes of hemolytic anemia are conditions like sickle cell anemia, "abnormal hemoglobin" and thalassemia, "reduced hemoglobin production".
Membrane defects, which are problems with red blood cell structure, like hereditary spherocytosis or elliptocytosis.
And enzyme deficiencies, which are lack of essential red blood cell enzymes, like G6PD deficiency, that affects energy production.
Acquired (Extrinsic) causes of hemolytic anemia, stem from factors outside of the red blood cell that cause their destruction.
Autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system mistakenly create antibodies that attack red blood cells, (autoimmune hemolytic anemia).
Infections, or viruses like mononucleosis bacteria.
Physical trauma, like severe burns or even hemodialysis and artificial heart valves.
And other conditions that can result in hemolytic anemia are cancers like lymphoma, leukemia or even severe blood pressure issues or preeclampsia.
Hemolytic anemia is a blood disorder where red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can replace them, leading to fewer RBCs and reduced oxygen delivery, with causes being either inherited (like Sickle Cell) or acquired (due to infections, autoimmune issues, medications, or cancers).
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia range from fatigue and paleness to jaundice, with diagnosis involving blood tests like a peripheral smear, and treatment including steroids, transfusions, or addressing the underlying cause.