Three Causes of Hemolysis
Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream. This can lead to a variety of health issues, from anemia to jaundice. There are three primary causes of hemolysis: mechanical damage, chemical damage, and immune-mediated damage.
Mechanical Damage
Mechanical damage is caused by physical trauma to red blood cells, such as shearing forces from blood vessels or mechanical devices. This type of damage can occur during medical procedures, such as dialysis or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or from trauma, such as a car accident.
Chemical Damage
Chemical damage to red blood cells occurs when they come into contact with toxic chemicals, such as certain medications or industrial chemicals. This type of damage can also occur due to the presence of certain enzymes in the bloodstream.
Immune-Mediated Damage
Immune-mediated damage is caused by the body's own immune system attacking red blood cells. This can occur as a result of an autoimmune disorder, such as hemolytic anemia, or when the body is exposed to a foreign substance, such as a virus or bacteria. This type of hemolysis can be especially dangerous, as it can lead to the destruction of red blood cells at an accelerated rate.
