Immune hemolytic anemia is a condition in which there is a reduced blood cell count due to the premature destruction of red blood cells by the immune system.
Alternative NamesAnemia - immune hemolytic; Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsImmune hemolytic anemia occurs when antibodies form against the body's own red blood cells. The antibodies destroy the blood cells because the immune system mistakenly recognizes these blood cells as foreign material within the body.
The antibodies may be caused by:
If the cause of antibody formation is a disease or medication, it is referred to as secondary immune hemolytic anemia. Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for one-half of all immune hemolytic anemias.
Risk factors are related to the causes.
SymptomsTreatment with a steroid medication such as prednisone is usually the first therapy tried. If a steroid medication does not improve the condition, removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be considered. Treatments with drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) may also be given if you do not respond to steroids.
Blood transfusions, if needed for severe anemia, are given with caution because the blood may not be compatible and it may cause further hemolysis.
Expectations (prognosis)The disease may start quickly and be very serious, or it may remain mild and not need specific treatment.
In most people, steroids or splenectomy can control anemia. In others, treatment can usually partially control the anemia.
ComplicationsSevere anemia rarely leads to death. Severe infection may occur as a complication of treatment with steroids, other medications that suppress the immune system, or splenectomy, because these treatments impair the body's ability to fight infection.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have unexplained fatigue or chest pain, or signs of infection.
PreventionScreening for antibodies in donated blood and in the recipient may prevent hemolytic anemia related to blood transfusions.
ReferencesSchwartz RS. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 164.
Powers A, Silberstein LE. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In: Hoffman R, Benz Ej, Shattil SS, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 47.
Immune hemolytic anemia is a condition in which there is a reduced blood cell count due to the premature destruction of red blood cells by the immune system.
Alternative NamesAnemia - immune hemolytic; Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsImmune hemolytic anemia occurs when antibodies form against the body's own red blood cells. The antibodies destroy the blood cells because the immune system mistakenly recognizes these blood cells as foreign material within the body.
The antibodies may be caused by:
If the cause of antibody formation is a disease or medication, it is referred to as secondary immune hemolytic anemia. Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for one-half of all immune hemolytic anemias.
Risk factors are related to the causes.
SymptomsTreatment with a steroid medication such as prednisone is usually the first therapy tried. If a steroid medication does not improve the condition, removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be considered. Treatments with drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) may also be given if you do not respond to steroids.
Blood transfusions, if needed for severe anemia, are given with caution because the blood may not be compatible and it may cause further hemolysis.
Expectations (prognosis)The disease may start quickly and be very serious, or it may remain mild and not need specific treatment.
In most people, steroids or splenectomy can control anemia. In others, treatment can usually partially control the anemia.
ComplicationsSevere anemia rarely leads to death. Severe infection may occur as a complication of treatment with steroids, other medications that suppress the immune system, or splenectomy, because these treatments impair the body's ability to fight infection.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have unexplained fatigue or chest pain, or signs of infection.
PreventionScreening for antibodies in donated blood and in the recipient may prevent hemolytic anemia related to blood transfusions.
ReferencesSchwartz RS. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 164.
Powers A, Silberstein LE. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In: Hoffman R, Benz Ej, Shattil SS, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 47.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/31/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Hemolytic anemia indicates the early destruction of red blood cells. This can occur as inherited or acquired hemolytic anemia. Certain medicines can cause acquired hemolytic anemia, please check with the doctor.
anemia
Someone can catch hemolytic anemia from their parents. When a child is born and if the parents possess this condition, it can be passed on to the child.
hemolytic anemia
physicians will examine the blood for the number of young red blood cells, since the number of young cells is increased in hemolytic anemia.
hemolytic anemia
most commonly hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia
55
hemolytic anemia and bone marrow
Pneumonia
Anemia caused by variably shaped red blood cells that burst, or hemolyze, easily.