Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys red blood cells. This leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, causing symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. AIHA can be caused by medications, infections, or other underlying conditions, and is usually treated with medications, blood transfusions, or other treatments.
Causes of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
AIHA is caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying its own red blood cells. This can be caused by medications, infections, or other underlying conditions.
Medications: Certain medications, such as penicillin and sulfonamides, can trigger AIHA.
Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Mycoplasma pneumoniae, can trigger AIHA.
Other Conditions: AIHA can also be caused by other underlying conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, lymphoproliferative disorders, or other blood disorders.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
AIHA can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Dark urine
• Jaundice
• Fever
• Low blood pressure
Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
AIHA is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and other tests.
Physical Examination: Your doctor will look for signs of anemia, such as pale skin and rapid heart rate.
Blood Tests: Your doctor will order a complete blood count (CBC) to measure the number of red blood cells in your blood. They may also order other tests to measure the amount of hemoglobin and other substances in your blood.
Other Tests: Your doctor may order other tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy or a peripheral blood smear, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
AIHA is usually treated with medications, blood transfusions, or other treatments.
Medications: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are the most commonly used medications to treat AIHA. Other medications, such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or rituximab, may also be used.
Blood Transfusions: In some cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace the red blood cells that were destroyed by the body’s immune system.
Other Treatments: Other treatments, such as plasma exchange or stem cell transplant, may be used in severe cases.
