Drug-induced nonautoimmune hemolytic anemia is a form of
hemolytic anemia.
Non-immune drug induced hemolysis can occur via oxidative mechanisms. This is particularly likely to occur when there is an enzyme deficiency in the antioxidant defense system of the red blood cells. An example is where
antimalarial oxidant drugs like
primaquine damage red blood cells in
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in which the red blood cells are more susceptible to oxidative stress due to reduced NADPH production consequent to the enzyme
deficiency.
Some drugs cause RBC (red blood cell) lysis even in normal individuals. These include
dapsone
Dapsone, also known as 4,4'-sulfonyldianiline (SDA) or diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), is an antibiotic commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine for the treatment of leprosy. It is a second-line medication for the treatment a ...
and
sulfasalazine.
Non-immune drug-induced hemolysis can also arise from drug-induced damage to cell volume control mechanisms; for example drugs can directly or indirectly impair regulatory volume decrease mechanisms, which become activated during
hypotonic RBC swelling to return the cell to a normal volume. The consequence of the drugs actions are irreversible cell swelling and lysis (e.g.
ouabain
Ouabain or (from Somali ''waabaayo'', "arrow poison" through French ''ouabaïo'') also known as g-strophanthin, is a plant derived toxic substance that was traditionally used as an arrow poison in eastern Africa for both hunting and warfare. ...
at very high doses).
See also
*
List of circulatory system conditions
References
External links
{{Diseases of RBCs
Acquired hemolytic anemia
Drug-induced diseases