Daily Health Care and Medical Tips

The treatment of hemolytic anemia depends on its cause and severity.

Inherited abnormalities in red blood cell membrane: if hemoglobin levels are normal (usually more than 10 grams per deciliter) then you may not need treatment. If hemoglobin levels fall dramatically, this may require a blood transfusion. In rare cases, the spleen is removed to decrease the destruction of red blood cells in circulation.

Hereditary enzyme deficiency in red blood cells: when serious symptoms of anemia are needed blood transfusions.

Disorders of hemoglobin: in some people with inherited disorders of hemoglobin, the disease is mild or no symptoms (such as thalassemia minor) then no treatment is necessary. People with more severe forms of thalassemia and beta thalassemia major, requires repeated blood transfusions and some may be candidates for a bone marrow transplant. Depending on the severity of symptoms, sickle cell anemia may be treated with folic acid supplements, blood transfusions, antibiotics to prevent infections and a drug called hydroxyurea (Hydrea).

Physical damage to red blood cells, depending on the severity of symptoms, this could be treated with folic acid and iron supplements and sometimes blood transfusions.

Autoimmune response, autoimmune hemolytic anemia treatment depends on the cause and severity. If the drug or the infection is caused by anemia, may be sufficient to discontinue taking the drug or recover from anemia. In severe cases, treatment may include corticosteroids such as prednisone, intravenous immunoglobulin, immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) and rituximab (Rituxan) and removal of the spleen.

Hypersplenism, the spleen is removed in cases with severe symptoms.

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