Which are potential causes of hemolytic anemia?

Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can produce them. The correct answer identifies potential causes associated with hemolytic anemia, specifically hereditary conditions, immune responses, and trauma.

Hereditary causes include genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia or hereditary spherocytosis, where the structure of the red blood cells is abnormal, leading to increased destruction. Immune causes may include autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where the body’s immune system erroneously targets and destroys its own red blood cells. Trauma can lead to physical destruction of red blood cells, such as in cases of severe burns or mechanical damage (e.g., from artificial heart valves).

Other options provided do not relate directly to the mechanisms of hemolytic anemia. Hypothyroidism and aplastic anemia primarily impact the production of red blood cells rather than their destruction. Iron deficiency anemia and chronic disease anemia result from inadequate production of red blood cells due to lack of necessary components or underlying health issues, rather than the destruction of those cells. Infections can cause hemolytic anemia but are not a direct causative category like the hereditary, immune, or trauma causes listed in the correct answer. Similarly, nutritional deficiencies typically lead to anemia through insufficient production rather than