Who Is At Risk for Hemolytic Anemia?

Hemolytic anemia can affect people of all ages and both genders. Most types of hemolytic anemia are equally common in men and women and can develop at any age. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is slightly more likely in women over age 40. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency) is more common among males. People of all races can develop hemolytic anemia. Some types of hemolytic anemia are more likely to occur in certain populations than others.

In the United States, sickle cell anemia, one of the most common forms of hemolytic anemia, occurs primarily among African Americans. G6PD deficiency affects males of African or Mediterranean descent. About 1 in 10 African American men have G6PD deficiency.