Hemolytic anemia overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Shyam Patel [2]
Overview
Historical Perspective
The history of hemolytic anemia dates back to the 16th century, when the initial experiments were conducted on transfusion of blood. Soon after, the development of the simple microscope revolutionized the study of red blood cells, as red blood cells could be directly observed. After multiple patients began to present with jaundice and splenomegaly, it was observed that there was an association between these symptoms and the destruction of red blood cells. Eventually, it was determined that hemolytic anemia was largely due to immune-mediated mechanisms leading to destruction of red blood cells. Since the 1980s, various immunosuppressive medications have been developed to help treat hemolytic anemia.
Classification
Hemolytic anemia can be divided into intravascular and extravascular based on whether the destruction of RBCs occurs in the vessels or outside the vessels, usually in spleen and liver. Extravascular hemolytic anemia is more common than intravascular hemolytic anemia. There are many types ofhemolytic anemias and the general classification of hemolytic anemia is either acquired or inherited (genetic). Genetic conditions include red blood cellmembrane or enzyme defects that predispose the red blood cells to hemolysis.