How is hemolytic jaundice treated?
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Hemolytic jaundice may be caused by intrinsic defects of red blood cells, blood type incompatibility during blood transfusion, autoimmune hemolysis, infection-induced hemolysis, drug-induced hemolysis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, and other approaches under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, one should avoid contact with known factors that may trigger hemolysis and undergo regular blood tests.
Generally, hemolytic jaundice may be caused by intrinsic defects of red blood cells, incompatible blood transfusion, autoimmune hemolysis, infection-induced hemolysis, drug-induced hemolysis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, and other approaches. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Intrinsic defects of red blood cells: Abnormalities in red blood cell membranes, enzymes, or hemoglobin can lead to easy rupture of red blood cells, causing excessive release of bilirubin and resulting in jaundice, often hereditary. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and infections in daily life to reduce red blood cell destruction. Dietary supplementation with folic acid and vitamin E helps protect red blood cells. Patients with mild symptoms can undergo regular monitoring of complete blood count and bilirubin levels.
2. Incompatible blood transfusion: Receiving blood incompatible with one's blood type can cause extensive red blood cell destruction, resulting in jaundice accompanied by back pain and hemoglobinuria. Blood transfusion should be stopped immediately, and intravenous fluid replacement should be administered to promote the elimination of hemolytic products. Medications such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, methylprednisolone sodium succinate injection, and sodium bicarbonate injection should be used as prescribed to correct electrolyte disturbances and protect kidney function.
3. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: The body produces antibodies against its own red blood cells, leading to their destruction and resulting in jaundice, often accompanied by anemia and splenomegaly. Patients should use medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, azathioprine tablets, and cyclophosphamide tablets as directed by a physician to suppress the immune response and reduce red blood cell destruction.
4. Infection-induced hemolysis: Viral or bacterial infections may trigger red blood cell rupture, causing jaundice accompanied by fever and chills. Patients should use medications such as ribavirin injection, ceftriaxone sodium injection, and azithromycin injection as prescribed to control the infection. Hemolysis usually improves once the infection is under control.
5. Drug-induced hemolysis: Medications such as penicillin, quinine, and sulfonamides may induce red blood cell destruction, leading to jaundice accompanied by fatigue and darkened urine. The suspected drug should be discontinued immediately and not used again. As directed by a physician, medications such as vitamin C injection, dexamethasone injection, and dextran 40 glucose injection should be used to promote red blood cell repair and accelerate the elimination of hemolytic products.
In daily life, patients should avoid known hemolysis-inducing factors, undergo regular blood tests, and monitor changes in their condition. Maintaining a regular作息 schedule and enhancing physical immunity through comprehensive treatment and care can help reduce hemolytic episodes and maintain the stability of the hematopoietic system.
