Haemolytic anaemia is a condition in which the red blood cells (RBCs) get destroyed faster than the body can create new ones. There are a few different synonyms that can be used to describe this condition, including erythrocyte destruction, RBC breakdown, or haemolysis. Other related terms include haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), which occurs when a mother's antibodies attack the developing baby's RBCs, and sickle cell anaemia, which is caused by abnormal RBCs that break down easily. Treatment for haemolytic anaemia depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, blood transfusions, or surgery.