Intrinsic and extrinsic haemolytic anaemia are both types of anaemia caused by the breakdown of red blood cells. The difference between the two is that intrinsic haemolytic anaemia is caused by an abnormality of the red blood cells themselves, while extrinsic haemolytic anaemia is caused by an external factor.
Intrinsic Haemolytic Anaemia
Intrinsic haemolytic anaemia is caused by an abnormality of the red blood cells themselves. This can be due to genetic defects, such as inherited disorders that affect the structure of the red blood cells, or acquired conditions such as autoimmune diseases that attack the red blood cells. In either case, the red blood cells are more fragile and susceptible to damage, leading to the destruction of red blood cells and resulting in anaemia.
Extrinsic Haemolytic Anaemia
Extrinsic haemolytic anaemia is caused by an external factor, such as an infection or a drug. In this case, the red blood cells are not themselves abnormal, but are destroyed by the external factor. This can be due to a bacterial or viral infection, or due to a reaction to certain drugs. In either case, the external factor causes the destruction of the red blood cells, resulting in anaemia.
In both cases, the treatment of anaemia depends on the underlying cause. In the case of intrinsic haemolytic anaemia, the treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying abnormality of the red blood cells. In the case of extrinsic haemolytic anaemia, the treatment is aimed at eliminating the external factor causing the destruction of the red blood cells.
