Epidemiology

The epidemiology of haemolytic anaemia varies with underlying cause. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, an X-linked defect in enzyme metabolism causing haemolysis after illness or certain drugs, is the most common deficiency of erythrocyte enzymes that results in a shortening of the erythrocyte lifespan. An estimated 360 to 400 million people are affected worldwide.[3][4] Prevalence of G6PD deficiency ranges from 50% in Kurdish Jews to <1:1000 in northern Europeans.[5] It is found in Chinese and Southeast Asian populations, but is rare in Japan. Africa is the World Health Organization region with the highest incidence of G6PD deficiency; it is very common in the sub-Saharan region.[3][4] Prevalence of G6PD deficiency among black males is 11%.[6] It occurs in <10% of black females, and in lower frequencies in people from the Mediterranean basin.[7]

Warm antibody haemolytic anaemia is the most common form of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, and affects more women than men.[8][9] It may arise spontaneously or in association with diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, lymphoma, or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.[8][10][11] Drugs are a rare but well-described cause of haemolytic anaemia, estimated to occur in 1 in 1 million of the population.[8][12]

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