Hemolytic disease is a medical condition in which red blood cells are destroyed by a person's own immune system. The destruction of red blood cells is caused by antibodies, which are produced by the immune system in response to a perceived threat. Antibodies are proteins that bind to particular molecules on the surface of red blood cells, which then trigger the destruction of the cells.
Types of Antibodies That Cause Hemolytic Disease
The most common antibodies that cause hemolytic disease are anti-A and anti-B antibodies. These antibodies are produced by the body in response to exposure to red blood cells that have the A or B antigen on their surface. When these antibodies bind to the red blood cells, the cells are destroyed.
Other antibodies that can cause hemolytic disease include anti-D, anti-E, and anti-K. Anti-D antibodies are usually found in people who have been exposed to the RhD antigen, a substance found on the surface of red blood cells. Anti-E antibodies are found in people who have been exposed to the E antigen, a substance found on the surface of red blood cells. Anti-K antibodies are found in people who have been exposed to the K antigen, a substance found on the surface of red blood cells.
Treatment for Hemolytic Disease
The treatment for hemolytic disease depends on the type of antibodies that are causing the destruction of the red blood cells. In some cases, the destruction of the red blood cells can be stopped by treating the person with medications that prevent the production of the antibodies. In other cases, the person may need a blood transfusion to replace the destroyed red blood cells.
