haemolytic anaemia

In medicine, type of anaemia caused by the excessive destruction of red blood cells. A form of hereditary haemolytic anaemia prevalent in populations originating from Africa, Asia, and Southern Europe occurs because of a lack of an enzyme known as glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). This results in the red blood cells being excessively fragile. Individuals with G6PD deficiency may develop acute haemolytic anaemia following the ingestion of fava beans and several types of antibiotics. See also haemolytic disease of the newborn.