Final answer:
Hemolysis is the excessive destruction or rupture of red blood cells, which can occur due to transfusions with mismatched blood types, hemolytic disease of the newborn, exposure to hypotonic solutions, or diseases such as sickle-cell disease and lupus erythematosus.
Step-by-step explanation:
When red blood cells (cells) are destroyed or rupture at an excessive rate, a condition known as hemolysis occurs. This can happen in several situations, such as when there is a transfusion with mismatched blood types leading to cells being attacked by complement and antibody, or during conditions like hemolytic disease of the newborn, also known as erythroblastosis fetalis. Additionally, cells can undergo hemolysis when placed in a hypotonic solution causing them to swell and burst due to an influx of water.
Examples of Hemolysis
- Transfusion with mismatched blood types leading to destruction of red blood cells by immune response.
- Hemolytic disease of the newborn where the mother's antibodies attack fetal red blood cells.
- Exposure to hypotonic solutions resulting in cells swelling and bursting.
- Diseases such as sickle-cell disease, where the lifespan of RBCs is significantly reduced and lupus erythematosus causing systematic destruction of cells.
Hemolysis can lead to a range of complications, including sickle cell anemia, characterized by symptoms such as physical exertion, weakness, shortness of breath, leukemia, and heart murmurs.