Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemiaDefinition: Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a drop in the number of red blood cells due to increased destruction by the body's defense (immune) system.
Alternative Names: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia; Anemia - idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is an acquired disease that occurs when antibodies form against a person's own red blood cells. In the idiopathic form of this disease, the cause is unknown.
Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for one-half of all immune hemolytic anemias.
There are other types of immune hemolytic anemias in which the cause may result from an underlying disease or medication. The disease may start quickly and be very serious.
Risk factors are not known.
Signs and tests: An examination may reveal an enlarged spleen.
Tests include:
Treatment: The first therapy tried is usually a steroid medication, such as prednisone. If steroid medications do not improve the condition, removal of the spleen (splenectomy ) may be considered.
Therapy to suppress the immune system is usually given if the person does not respond to steroids and splenectomy. Medications such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and rituximab (Rituxan) have been used.
Blood transfusions are given with caution, because of the potential that blood may not be compatible and may cause further hemolysis.
Expectations (prognosis): Adults may have long-term disease that keeps returning. In children the anemia is usually short-lived.
Complications:
- Infection (as a complication of treatment)
- Severe anemia
Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of anemia.
Prevention: There is no known prevention for idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia, because the cause is unknown.
References: Schwartz RS. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. 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.
| 
