Which type of anemia is caused by the rupturing of red blood cells due to congenital disorders or toxic agents?

Hemolytic anemia is characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells, which can occur due to congenital disorders or exposure to toxic agents. This condition leads to a reduced number of red blood cells in circulation, which impairs the blood’s ability to carry oxygen effectively.

Various factors contribute to hemolytic anemia, including hereditary conditions like hereditary spherocytosis or sickle cell disease, where the structure of the red blood cell is altered, making them more susceptible to rupture. Toxic agents, such as certain drugs or infections, can also lead to the destruction of red blood cells.

In contrast, other types of anemia listed do not involve the direct rupture of red blood cells. Secondary anemia often results from other diseases or conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or cancer, rather than the destruction of the cells themselves. Sickle cell anemia is a specific form of hemolytic anemia caused by a genetic mutation that leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin; it is a subset categorized under hemolytic anemia. Pernicious anemia, on the other hand, is primarily due to an inability to absorb vitamin B12 and does not involve the destruction of red blood cells.

Therefore, the defining characteristic of hemolytic anemia is the direct rupture