Hemolytic crisis

Considerations:
Rapid destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) can be triggered in conditions where abnormal RBC membranes are present. These conditions are called hemolytic anemias . Anemia is present because there is always some degree of hemolysis with resulting decreased hematocrit . In some hemolytic anemias, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), exposure to certain chemicals can synchronize the destruction of the RBCs. Massive RBC destruction causes an acute (and often profound) anemia, and this causes overloading of the kidneys with free hemoglobin . Hemolytic crises in G6PD can be fatal.

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of hemolytic crisis. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hemolytic crisis, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Consult your health care provider.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • your urine appears red, red-brown, or brownish (

    What to Expect:
    Emergency interventions will be initiated if necessary. This may include hospitalization, administration of oxygen, blood transfusions, and other treatments.

    When the condition is stable, the medical history will be obtained and a physical examination will be performed.

    Medical history questions documenting hemolytic crisis in detail may include:
    • time pattern
      • When did you first notice symptoms?

    • quality
      • What symptoms did you notice?

    • medical history
      • Do you have a known medical history of a hemolytic anemia , G6PD deficiency , or kidney disorder?
      • Have you ever experienced this before?
        • Was hospitalization required?
        • What was the treatment?
        • What was the outcome?

    • other
      • What other symptoms are present?

    The physical examination may occasionally show enlargement of the spleen ( splenomegaly ).

    Diagnostic tests may include:

    After seeing your health care provider:
    You may want to add a diagnosis related to a hemolytic crisis to your personal medical record.