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Haemolytic Anaemia is a blood condition that occurs when red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than the bone marrow can produce them. Normally, red blood cells have a lifespan of around 120 days. In haemolytic anaemia, red blood cells have a much shorter lifespan. This means that less oxygen is supplied to the tissues of the body, which causes a number of health problems.

The disorder can be hereditary or acquired. Some inherited forms are diseases such as sickle cell disease and hereditary spherocytosis. Acquired haemolytic anaemia may result from autoimmune disease, infection, some medicines, blood transfusion reactions or toxic substances. The rapid destruction of red blood cells also increases bilirubin, which can lead to jaundice and gallstones.

The common symptoms are tiredness, weakness, pallor of the skin, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, giddiness, black urine, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and an enlarged spleen. Diagnosis is typically made with blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a haptoglobin test and a direct Coombs test to detect immunological causes.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, blood transfusions, folic acid supplementation, treatment of infections, or splenectomy in selected patients. Early diagnosis and adequate management help to prevent problems and enhance health outcomes in the longer term.