Eryptosis (Erythrocyte apoptosis or Red blood cell programmed death) is a type of apoptosis that occurs in injured erythrocytes (RBCs) due to various factors including hyperosmolarity, oxidative stress, energy depletion, heavy metals exposure or xenobiotics. Like apoptosis, eryptosis is characterized by cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, activation of proteases, and phosphatidylserine exposure at the outer membrane leaflet. Causes Conditions with excessive eryptosis include: G6PD deficiency Iron deficiency anemia Lead or mercury intoxication Lopinavir Malaria Ritonavir Sickle cell anemia Thalassemia References Red blood cell disorders