Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia(Hemolytic Anemia)
by
Ricker Polsdorfer, MD DefinitionAnemia is a low level of healthy red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When red blood cells are low, the body does not get enough oxygen. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, or irregular heartbeat. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is caused by the destruction of RBCs. It can be a serious, fatal condition that requires care from a doctor.
Causes TOPThis type of anemia is caused by an autoimmune problem. The immune system attacks and destroys red blood cells. The abnormal reaction of the immune system may be caused by:
Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase your risk of developing autoimmune hemolytic anemia include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms may include:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms, medications, and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
Treatment TOPTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Mild cases may not need treatment. They may resolve on their own. Treatment options include the following: Treating the Underlying ConditionTreating the cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia may help treat the condition. Causes include cancer, medications, or collagen-vascular disease. CorticosteroidsCortisone-like drugs suppress the immune response. These drugs usually improve the more common types of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Other Immunosuppressive Drugs TOPOther drugs that suppress the immune system may be used if corticosteroids are not effective. Splenectomy TOPThe spleen removes abnormal red cells from the circulation, including those labeled with antibodies. A splenectomy can preserve those cells and prevent anemia. Transfusion TOPYou will need transfusions if your blood gets too anemic. Prevention TOPThere are no current guildelines to prevent autoimmune hemolytic anemia because are multiple causes. RESOURCES:Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org NORD—National Organization for Rare Disorders https://rarediseases.org References:
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated May 17, 2017. Accessed September 29, 2017.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 2017. Accessed September 29, 2017. Dhaliwal G, Cornett PA, Tierney LM, Jr., et al. Hemolytic anemia.
Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(11):2599-2606. Lechner K, Jäger U. How I treat autoimmune hemolytic anemias in adults.
Blood. 2010;116(11):1831-1838. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 8/28/2014 | |
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