Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
( Anemia - idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic )
Definition - Causes, incidence, and risk factors - Symptoms - Signs and tests - Treatment - Expectations (prognosis) - Complications
Definition
Idiopathic
autoimmune hemolytic anemia results from an abnormality of the immune system
that destroys red blood cells prematurely. The cause is unknown.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Idiopathic
autoimmune hemolytic anemia is an acquired disease that occurs when antibodies
form against a person's own red blood cells. In the idiopathic form of this
disease, the cause is unknown.
There are other
types of immune hemolytic anemias where the cause may result from an underlying disease or
medication. Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for one-half of all
immune hemolytic anemias.
The onset of the disease may be quite rapid and very
serious.
Risk factors are
not known.
Symptoms Returnto top
- Fatigue
- Pale
color
- Shortness
of breath
- Rapid
heartbeat
- Yellow
skin color
- Dark
urine
- Enlarged
spleen
- Positive
direct
Coombs' test
- Indirect
Coombs' test
- Elevated
bilirubin
levels
- Low
serum
haptoglobin
- Hemoglobin
in the urine
- Elevated
reticulocyte
count
- Low red blood cell count and low serum hemoglobin
-
The first
therapy tried is usually treatment with prednisone. If prednisone does not
improve the condition, a splenectomy
(removal of the spleen) may be considered.
Immunosuppressive
therapy is given if the person does not respond to prednisone and splenectomy.
Imuran and Cytoxan have both been used.
Blood
transfusions are given with caution, if indicated for severe anemia,
because of the potential that blood may not be compatible and may bring on a
reaction.
Expectations (prognosis)
Adults may have
chronic, relapsing disease, but in children the anemia is usually short-lived.
Complications
- Infection
(from treatment)
- Severe anemia
Calling your health care provider
Call your health
care provider if you notice symptoms of anemia