Immune hemolytic anemia (IHA) is a type of anemia caused by an immune system disorder. The immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the body's own red blood cells, leading to a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells. This can lead to anemia, which is a condition in which a person has a lower than normal number of red blood cells.
Symptoms of Immune Hemolytic Anemia
The symptoms of IHA vary depending on the severity of the condition, but some common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and dark or tea-colored urine. Other symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and coldness in the hands and feet.
Causes of Immune Hemolytic Anemia
The cause of IHA is not known, but some factors that may contribute to its development include certain medications, infections, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders.
Medications: Some medications, including antibiotics, can cause IHA.
Infections: Some types of infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can cause IHA.
Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can cause IHA.
Genetic Disorders: Some genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, can cause IHA.
Diagnosis of Immune Hemolytic Anemia
A diagnosis of IHA is made based on a person's medical history, physical exam, and laboratory tests. The doctor may order a complete blood count (CBC) to measure levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and other blood components. Additionally, the doctor may order a blood smear to look for red blood cell morphology and antibodies.
Treatment of Immune Hemolytic Anemia
Treatment of IHA depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a medication, the doctor may recommend stopping the medication and/or switching to a different one. If the cause is an infection, the doctor may recommend treatment with antibiotics or antiviral drugs. If the cause is an autoimmune disease, the doctor may recommend immunosuppressive drugs. If the cause is a genetic disorder, the doctor may recommend blood transfusions or bone marrow transplant.
