Hemolysis in children may be due to congenital, hereditary or infectious factors that shorten the life span of red blood cells or destroy them prematurely. Hemolytic children may have anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly and other manifestations.
1. Anemia: the prominent manifestation of anemia in children is pale skin and mucous membranes, which is common in the skin of face, earwheel, palm of the hand, as well as lid conjunctiva and oral mucous membranes. In severe anemia, the skin may appear waxy yellow. Children with long-term anemia may also have dry hair, low nutrition, delayed physical development and fatigue.
2. Jaundice: excessive destruction of red blood cells in children with hemolysis causes indirect bilirubin in the blood to rise, thus causing jaundice. In acute hemolysis, hemoglobinuria can appear, and the urine is dark red; in chronic hemolysis, iron hemoflavinuria can appear, and the urine is brownish yellow.
3. Splenomegaly: Due to the serious destruction of red blood cells, when the hematopoietic needs of children increase, the spleen can carry out extra-marrow hematopoiesis compensatory, thus showing enlarged spleen.
In addition, if hemolysis is caused by infectious factors, the child will also have fever, chills and other infection-related symptoms. If the child is found to have prolonged fatigue and change in skin color, it is important to consult a doctor to identify the cause of the disease and take standardized treatment.