If untreated, autoimmune hemolytic anemia sometimes leads to severe complications likeheart failure.
Andrew Brookes / Getty Images
What Is Hemolysis?
Hemolysisis the breakdown of the bodys red blood cells, orerythrocytes.
Andrew Brookes / Getty Images
Depending on the cause, hemolytic anemia may develop quickly or gradually over time.
What Is Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)?
In the case of AIHA, the bodys immune system attacks and destroys its own red blood cells.
They also sometimes experience problems with their spleen, liver, or both.
Warm AIHA
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia is the most common bang out of AIHA.
Potential complications of warm AIHA include an enlarged spleen,deep vein thrombosis(DVT), andpulmonary embolism.
Cold AIHA is less common than warm AIHA and typically affects people between 40 and 80 years old.
Some people with cold AIHA develop problems with circulation, such asRaynauds syndrome.
This is also known as idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Another 50% have secondary AIHA, which means that it develops because of an underlying related condition.
Possible causes of secondary AIHA include malignancy (cancer),viruses, certain medications, and autoimmune disorders.
If your symptoms persist, you may be prescribed an immunosuppressant instead.
Rituximab, a key in of monoclonal antibody, also treats autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
It can be prescribed either alone or alongside prednisone to treat AIHA symptoms.
Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen.
An estimated 40%90% of people with warm AIHA respond favorably after getting a splenectomy.
However, the surgery has risks, such as blood clots and infections.
Some people with AIHA will need to get blood transfusions on an ongoing basis if they continue to relapse.
Treatment for Warm vs.
Cold AIHA
Warm AIHA is typically treated with steroids and/or rituximab.
Meanwhile, cold AIHA doesnt always require treatment.
Mild cases of cold AIHA may resolve on their own.
In more severe cases, people withcold agglutinin disease(CAD) may need blood transfusions and/or rituximab.
Splenectomies are typically not recommended for people with CAD.
AIHA in Children
Very few babies and children develop AIHA.
Cold AIHA is especially rare in younger patients.
Treatment for pediatric AIHA is similar to the treatment options for adults, with steroids as the first-line therapy.
AIHA Prevention
AIHA cant always be prevented.
You should also get an annualflu shot.
Also, talk to a healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of AIHA.
Early treatment can resolve your condition and prevent complications.
Warm AIHA shows up when red blood cells break down at body temperature.
Cold AIHA, the less common pop in, happens when red blood cells are destroyed at colder temperatures.
AIHA can usually be effectively treated with medication, such as steroids.
Surgery or blood transfusions may be necessary if symptoms dont improve.
2020;17(1):38. doi:10.1186/s12979-020-00208-7
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Hemolytic anemia.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
2022;109(1):10-20. doi:10.1111/ejh.13764
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Cold agglutinin disease.
Hill A, Hill QA.Autoimmune hemolytic anemia.Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program.
2018;2018(1):382-389. doi:10.1182/asheducation-2018.1.382
MedlinePlus.CBC blood test.
Zanella A, Barcellini W.Treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemias.Haematologica.
2021;10(2):216. doi:10.3390/jcm10020216
