AIHA Definition

• Anemia - Idiopathic Autoimmune

Hemolytic, Autoimmune Hemolytic • This disorder results from an abnormality of
Anemia the immune system that destroys red blood
cells prematurely. The cause is unknown.

Overview, Causes, & Overview, Causes, &

Risk Factors
• Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic
anemia is an acquired disease that
occurs when antibodies form
against the person's own red blood
cells. In the idiopathic form of this
disease, the cause is unknown.
Risk Factors
• 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 & Signs Prevention

• Fatigue
• Pale color • There is no known prevention for
• Shortness of breath idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic
• Rapid heartbeat anemia, because the cause is
unknown.
• Yellow skin color
• Dark urine
• Enlarged spleen

1
 Diagnosis & Tests
• 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
Treatment
• Blood transfusions are given with
caution, if indicated for severe
anemia, because of the potential
that blood may not be compatible
and precipitate a reaction
Prognosis
(Expectations)
• Adults may have chronic, relapsing
disease, but in children the anemia
is usually short-lived.
Treatment
• 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.
Complications
• Infection (from treatment)
• Severe anemia