Normal mechanisms of hematopoiesis include erythrocytolysis, hematolysis or hemolysis. This is the process of completing the life cycle of red blood cells, which is about 120 days. Hemolysis of erythrocytes takes place in the body continuously, accompanied by their destruction and release of released hemoglobin, subsequently it is transformed into bilirubin.
What is increased hemolysis of red blood cells?
Pathological hematolysis is a violation of the normal life cycle of red blood cells. Its duration decreases due to various factors, and erythrocytes are destroyed prematurely. As a result, there is a sharp increase in the concentration of hemoglobin and bilirubin, the biological fluid turns into a bright red color and becomes almost transparent. This phenomenon is sometimes called "lacquer blood".
Causes of hemolysis or erythrocyte destruction
Factors provoking pathological erythrocytolysis may be as follows:
1. Congenital:
- a deficiency in the activity of enzymes;
- the broken structure of the membrane of red blood cells, lipids and proteins;
- wrong synthesis of hemoglobin.
2. Purchased:
- viral and bacterial intoxication;
- autoimmune reactions;
- poisonous mushrooms, plants;
- parasites, in particular - malarial plasmodium;
- artificial circulation;
- bites of poisonous insects and snakes;
- taking certain medications;
- implanted heart valve;
- poisoning by chemicals;
- transfusion of incompatible blood.
Symptoms of hemolysis of red blood cells
In the initial stages of the disorder and if it is mild, there are almost no signs of pathology. Occasionally, there is weakness, unobtrusive nausea, chills, like under cold or cold.
Acute hemolysis of red blood cells is accompanied by such clinical manifestations:
- headache;
- lethargy, fatigue;
- vomiting;
- pain in the epigastrium, right side under the lower rib, lower back;
- staining the urine in red;
- increase in temperature to 39 degrees;
- a noticeable enlargement of the liver, which is easy to feel with your fingers;
- yellowing of the skin and sclera;
- oliguria;
- impaired liver and kidney function;
- anuria;
- increased heart rate;
- formation of thrombi and trophic ulcers;
- anemia.
To diagnose hematolysis on the basis of symptoms it is impossible, it is necessary to donate blood for analysis, during which the concentration of hemoglobin and bilirubin is determined.