Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells: Hemolytic anemia is a medical condition characterized by a low red blood cell count due to their premature breakdown or destruction (hemolysis) before their normal lifespan ends.

Usage

• Hemolytic anemia is diagnosed through blood tests that show signs of increased red blood cell destruction.
• Treatment for hemolytic anemia depends on the specific cause and severity of the condition.

Examples

• The patient was hospitalized due to severe hemolytic anemia.
• Some infections can trigger hemolytic anemia in susceptible individuals.
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own red blood cells.

Advanced Usage

• "Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)": A specific subtype where the body produces antibodies that destroy its own red blood cells.
  • Warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia is the most common form of AIHA.
• "Drug-induced hemolytic anemia": Hemolytic anemia triggered as an adverse reaction to certain medications.
  • The antibiotic was discontinued after it caused drug-induced hemolytic anemia.

Variants and Related Words

• Hemolysis (n): The process of red blood cell destruction.
  • The test confirmed intravascular hemolysis.
• Hemolytic (adj): Relating to or involving the destruction of red blood cells.
  • The toxin has a hemolytic effect on blood cells.

Synonyms

• Haemolytic anaemia (British English spelling variant).
• Erythrocyte destruction anemia (descriptive synonym, less common).

Related Phrases

• Hemolytic crisis: A sudden, severe episode of red blood cell destruction.
  • The patient experienced a hemolytic crisis requiring urgent transfusion.
• Compensated hemolytic anemia: A state where the bone marrow increases red blood cell production enough to maintain a near-normal count despite ongoing hemolysis.
  • She has compensated hemolytic anemia with only mild symptoms.

Noun

1. anemia resulting from destruction of erythrocytes