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:
Call your health care provider if you have:
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:
Treatment depends on the cause of hemolysis.
Elena Seregina practices in Moscow, Russian Federation. Seregina is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Hemolytic Crisis, Glanzmann Thrombasthenia, Anemia, and Blood Clots.
Navin Wadehra is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Douglasville, Georgia. Wadehra has been practicing medicine for over 24 years and is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hereditary Spherocytosis, Congenital Hemolytic Anemia, Hemolytic Crisis, and Hemolytic Anemia. Wadehra is currently accepting new patients.
Nishant Verma practices in Varanasi, India. Verma is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. He is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hemolytic Crisis, Wilms Tumor, Hodgkin Lymphoma, and Hepatocerebral Degeneration.
Published Date: January 25, 2022
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, 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, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 152.