Hemolytic CrisisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Hemolytic Crisis
Hemolytic crisis occurs when large numbers of red blood cells are destroyed over a short time. The loss of red blood cells occurs much faster than the body can produce new red blood cells.
Hemolysis - acute
During a hemolytic crisis, the body cannot make enough red blood cells to replace those that are destroyed. This causes acute and often severe anemia.
The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen (hemoglobin) is released into the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney damage.
Causes of hemolysis include:
- A lack of certain proteins inside red blood cells
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain infections
- Defects in the hemoglobin molecules inside red blood cells
- Defects of the proteins that make up the internal framework of red blood cells
- Side effects of certain medicines
- Reactions to blood transfusions
Contact your health care provider if you have:
- Symptoms of anemia, including pale skin or fatigue, especially if these symptoms get worse
- Urine that is red, red-brown, or brown (tea-colored)
Emergency treatment may be necessary. This may include a hospital stay, oxygen, blood transfusions, and other treatments.
When your condition is stable, your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. The physical exam may show swelling of the spleen (splenomegaly).
Tests that may be done include:
- Blood chemistry panel
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Coombs test
- Haptoglobin
- Lactate dehydrogenase
Treatment depends on the cause of hemolysis.
Texas Health Adult Care
Paul Anthony is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics in Plano, Texas. Dr. Anthony is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. His top areas of expertise are High Cholesterol, Infant Hyperglycemia, Sitosterolemia, and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia.
Advocate Medical Group Oncology
Nandini Kalakota is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Kalakota is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. Her top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), and Lung Adenocarcinoma.
Advocate Infusion Center
Mohammed Raheem is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Aurora, Illinois. Dr. Raheem is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Gallagher PG. Hemolytic anemias: red blood cell membrane and metabolic defects. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 147.