Cythemolytic icterus is a medical term used to describe a condition where an excessive number of red blood cells break down, resulting in jaundice. This term features two unique spelling quirks, namely the use of the "y" in "cythemolytic" and the "ic" in "icterus." These are due to the linguistic origins of the words, with "cythemolytic" coming from the Greek "kýtos" (meaning cell) and "molysmos" (meaning dissolution) and "icterus" coming from the Greek "icteros" (meaning jaundice). The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /sitheməˈlɪtɪk ˈɪktərəs/.
Cythemolytic icterus, also known as hemolytic icterus, is a medical condition characterized by an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood due to the excessive breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis). Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced by the liver as a result of the breakdown of heme molecules in red blood cells. It is then released into the bloodstream and eventually eliminated from the body.
In cythemolytic icterus, there is an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells, either due to intrinsic defects in the red blood cells themselves or external factors. This excessive hemolysis results in an overproduction of bilirubin, overwhelming the liver's capacity to process and eliminate it, leading to the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes known as jaundice.
The underlying causes of cythemolytic icterus can vary, including inherited conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, or hereditary spherocytosis, or acquired conditions such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia or certain infections. The condition can also occur as a result of exposure to toxins, certain medications, or incompatible blood transfusions.
Treatment of cythemolytic icterus primarily involves managing the underlying cause of the excessive red blood cell destruction. This may involve medications to suppress the immune system in autoimmune conditions, blood transfusions to replace the damaged red blood cells, or the removal of the underlying toxin or medication. Additionally, supportive care to manage symptoms and monitoring of bilirubin levels are important in the management of this condition.
I. resulting from absorption of bile produced in excess through stimulation by free hemoglobin resulting from the destruction of red blood-corpuscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "cythemolytic icterus" comprises two parts: "cythemolytic" and "icterus".
The word "cythemolytic" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "cythe-" meaning cell and "molytikos" meaning dissolving, thus giving the meaning of "cell-dissolving".
The term "icterus" is derived from the Greek word "ikteros" which means yellow bird. It refers to a jaundiced or yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes that occurs when there is excessive bilirubin in the blood.
So, "cythemolytic icterus" is a medical term that describes a condition characterized by the breakdown of red blood cells and the subsequent increased levels of bilirubin, resulting in yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera.