hemolysis

(noun)

The destruction of red blood cells from pathological causes, such as infection or immune system mediated damage.

Related Terms

Examples of hemolysis in the following topics:

  • Jaundice

    • Pre-hepatic jaundice is caused by anything leading to an increased rate of hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells).
    • In jaundice secondary to hemolysis, the increased production of bilirubin leads to the increased production of urine-urobilinogen.

  • Erythroblastosis Fetalis (Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn)

    • Hemolysis leads to elevated bilirubin levels.
    • In subsequent pregnancies, if there is a similar incompatibility in the fetus, these antibodies are then able to cross the placenta into the fetal bloodstream to attach to the red blood cells and cause hemolysis.

  • Anemia

    • The three main classes of anemia include excessive blood loss (acutely, such as a hemorrhage or chronically, through low-volume loss), excessive blood cell destruction (hemolysis), or deficient red blood cell production (ineffective hematopoiesis).

  • Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

    • "HELLP" is an abbreviation of the three main features of the syndrome: Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count.