Nonimmune hemolytic anemia (NIHA) is a type of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). The destruction of RBCs is caused by a variety of factors, including drugs, toxins, infections, and autoimmune diseases. RBCs are normally destroyed by the immune system, but in NIHA, the destruction occurs outside of the normal immune response.
Drug-Induced Nonimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Drugs that can cause NIHA include antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and chemotherapy drugs. Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, can cause NIHA by damaging RBCs and altering their shape and size. Antimalarial drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, can cause NIHA by damaging the cell membrane of RBCs. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can cause NIHA by causing the cells to become more fragile and prone to damage. Chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin, can cause NIHA by targeting rapidly dividing cells, such as RBCs.
Toxin-Induced Nonimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Toxins can also cause NIHA, as they can damage the cell membrane of RBCs. Examples of toxins that can cause NIHA include lead, mercury, and arsenic. Lead poisoning can cause NIHA by damaging the cell membrane of RBCs. Mercury poisoning can cause NIHA by damaging the enzymes in the cell membrane of RBCs. Arsenic poisoning can cause NIHA by damaging the proteins in the cell membrane of RBCs.
Infection-Induced Nonimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Infections can also cause NIHA, as they can damage the cell membrane of RBCs. Examples of infections that can cause NIHA include malaria, babesiosis, and leptospirosis. Malaria can cause NIHA by damaging the cell membrane of RBCs. Babesiosis can cause NIHA by attacking the RBCs and causing them to lyse. Leptospirosis can cause NIHA by damaging the cell membrane of RBCs.
Autoimmune-Induced Nonimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Autoimmune diseases can also cause NIHA, as they can cause the immune system to attack and destroy RBCs. Examples of autoimmune diseases that can cause NIHA include lupus, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and Evans syndrome. Lupus can cause NIHA by damaging the cell membrane of RBCs. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia can cause NIHA by causing the immune system to attack RBCs. Evans syndrome can cause NIHA by causing the immune system to attack RBCs and platelets.
