Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) results from the immune system mistakenly producing antibodies against the body's own red blood cells, leading to their premature destruction. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including infections, certain medications, or underlying autoimmune diseases. The resulting hemolysis can cause a decrease in red blood cell count, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pallor. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to detect the presence of these antibodies and assess the extent of hemolysis.
Pernicious anemia
yes
Yes, there are several autoimmune disease processes which may result in different types of anemia.
sickle cell anemia
generally, pernicious anemia, if autoimmune, is a type 2 hypersensitivity
Red blood cells
It occurs when the body produces antibodies that coat red blood cells
This results in aplastic anemia.
Symptoms include fatigue and abdominal tenderness due to an enlarged spleen
idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Hospital caused anemia may be termed iatrogenic anemia or nosocomial anemia. It results from too many blood draws.
If the Coombs' tests are negative, the anemia is unlikely to be autoimmune, and the hematologist will have to search elsewhere for a cause