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 exam 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.
Johnson City Internal Medicine
Kevin Sweet is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dr. Sweet is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Sitosterolemia, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Osteomyelitis in Children, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism. Dr. Sweet is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
Angela Napolitano practices practicing medicine in Padova, Italy. Ms. Napolitano is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Hemolytic Crisis, Phacomatosis Pigmentovascularis, COVID-19, and Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria.
Texas Health Family Care
Chad Hogan is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Grapevine, Texas. Dr. Hogan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic Crisis. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses High Cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Familial Hypertension.
Published Date: January 29, 2026
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, 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.
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