300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 355-6000 Clinical Services (Anemia and RBC Disorders): Glossary Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a condition where the body destroys its red blood cells faster than they can be produced. The condition can be intrinsic -- caused by a disorder within the red blood cells themselves, or extrinsic -- prompted by infection, medications, antibodies, or other causes. Treatment for hemolytic anemia may include blood transfusions, corticosteriod medications, intravenous immune globulin, and sometimes removal of the spleen or immunosuppressive therapy. Hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis develops when the body builds up too much iron. The condition can be inherited, or acquired. Causes of aquired hemochromatosis include blood transfusions, liver disease, or excessive iron supplements. Hereditary Spherocytosis Hereditary spherocytosis is a rare blood disorder that is characterized by defects within the red blood cells that cause the cells to die prematurely. Under a microscope the red blood cells of patients with the disorder are sphere shaped. This makes it difficult for the cells to pass through the spleen, the organ responsible for cleansing the blood, and can result in them being trapped and destroyed. Iron Deficiency Anemia Iron deficiency anemia means the body has insufficient iron, an important component of hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by: diets that are low in iron body changes including growth spurts pregnancy and lactation abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract blood loss from bleeding, menstruation, or injury Typical treatment for iron deficiency anemia is increasing the amount of iron in the diet and iron supplements. Polycythemia Polycythemia is a disease that causes the body to produce too many red blood cells. In severe cases, the illness can cause swelling in the spleen and increase risk of bleeding problems, clots, stroke, and heart attack. The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.