Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemiaDefinition: Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when a medicine triggers the body's defense (immune) system to attack its own red blood cells. This causes red blood cells to break down earlier than normal.
See also: Hemolytic anemia
Alternative Names: Immune hemolytic anemia secondary to drugs; Anemia - immune hemolytic - secondary to drugs
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: In some cases, a drug can cause the immune system to mistakenly think your own red blood cells are dangerous, foreign substances. Antibodies then develop against the red blood cells. The antibodies attach to red blood cells and cause them to break down too early.
Drugs that can cause this type of hemolytic anemia include:
- Cephalosporins (a class of antibiotics)
- Levodopa
- Methyldopa
- Penicillin and its derivatives
- Quinidine
- Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
There are many other rarer causes of drug-induced hemolytic anemia. This includes hemolytic anemia associated with glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency . But in this case, the breakdown of red blood cells is due to a certain type of stress in the cell, not the body's immune system.
Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is rare in children.
Treatment: Stopping the drug that is causing the problem may relieve or control the symptoms.
Some persons may be given a medicine called prednisone to reduce the immune response against the red blood cells. Special blood transfusions may be needed to treat severe symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis): Most patients have a good outcome if they stop taking the drug that is causing the problem.
Complications: Death caused by severe anemia is rare.
Calling your health care provider: See your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
Prevention: You should continue to avoid the drug that caused this condition.
References: Schwartz R. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 164.
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