Illustration of red blood cells (rbcs) affected by haemolytic anaemia (crescent shaped). Healthy rbcs (red discs) and white blood cells (translucent) are shown in the background. Haemolytic anaemia describes an abnormally low amount of rbcs in the blood caused by excessive haemolysis (rbc destruction). Rbcs carry oxygen to the bodys tissues, so a lack of rbcs can cause a range of problems including fatigue, fever, weakness, heart issues and enlargement of the spleen and liver. Haemolytic anaemia can be genetically inherited or can be acquired following certain cancers, autoimmune disease or infections. Treatments can reduce or prevent symptoms and include blood transfusions and corticosteroids.