Anemia

Hemolytic Anemias

When the body destroys red blood cells faster than it creates them, a person may have a form of hemolytic anemia. Certain inherited or acquired blood diseases, medications and autoimmune reactions can cause hemolytic anemias. In addition to symptoms common to all types of anemia, patients may suffer from yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and an enlarged spleen.

There are many types of hemolytic anemias, including:

• Hemolytic anemia caused by medications
• Hemolytic-uremic syndrome
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Hemolytic anemia due to G6PD (a red cell enzyme) deficiency
• Hereditary elliptocytosis
• Hereditary spherocytosis
• Hereditary ovalocytosis
• Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Nonimmune hemolytic anemia caused by chemical or physical agents
• Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia

Corticosteroids and other immune-suppressing drugs are given when the body's immune system is believed to be destroying cells in the bone marrow. Many types of immune-suppressing drugs can be used depending upon the condition and needs of the patient.

Treatment

Treatment for hemolytic anemias depends upon the type and the condition's severity. Treatment may include blood transfusions, corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant drugs, or removal of the spleen.

Blood Transfusions

Transfusing red blood cells can help relieve symptoms for patients suffering from some forms of hemolytic anemia. Blood transfusions do not cure the disease, but offer temporary relief. Multiple blood transfusions may be necessary.

Immunosuppressant Drugs

Corticosteroids and other immune-suppressing drugs are used when the body's immune system is believed to be destroying cells in the bone marrow. Many types of immune-suppressing drugs can be used depending upon the condition and needs of the patient.

Splenectomy

Occasionally surgery may be needed to remove the spleen (splenectomy). This is most commonly done for patients whose hemolytic anemia does not respond to other treatment. Skilled surgeons at Mayo Clinic offer both traditional and minimally invasive techniques (laparascopic surgery) to remove the spleen. Laparascopic splenectomies typically require a hospital stay that averages two days, versus five days for open surgery.