What Causes Hemolytic Anemia?

The immediate cause of hemolytic anemia is the early destruction of red blood cells. This means that red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan is up.

A number of diseases, conditions, and factors can cause the body to destroy its red blood cells. These causes can be inherited or acquired. Sometimes, the cause of hemolytic anemia isn't known.

For more information on specific causes of hemolytic anemia, see "Types of Hemolytic Anemia."

Inherited Hemolytic Anemias

In inherited hemolytic anemias, the genes that control how red blood cells are made are faulty. You can receive a faulty red blood cell gene from one or both of your parents.

Different types of faulty genes account for the different types of inherited hemolytic anemia. In each type of inherited hemolytic anemia, the body makes abnormal red blood cells.

The problem with the red blood cells may involve the hemoglobin, cell membrane, or enzymes that maintain healthy red blood cells.

The abnormal cells may be fragile and break down while moving through the bloodstream. If this happens, an organ called the spleen may remove the cell debris from the bloodstream.

Acquired Hemolytic Anemias

In acquired hemolytic anemias, the body makes normal red blood cells. However, some disease, condition, or factor destroys the cells too early. Examples include immune disorders, infections, and reactions to medicines or blood transfusions.