Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. The main symptom is fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Treatment for AIHA depends on its cause and severity, and may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, splenectomy, or a combination of these treatments.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are the most commonly used treatment for AIHA. These drugs work by suppressing the activity of the immune system, which helps to reduce the amount of red blood cells destroyed by the body’s own immune system. Corticosteroids may be taken orally or intravenously.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants, such as cyclophosphamide, are drugs that suppress the activity of the immune system, which helps to reduce the amount of red blood cells destroyed by the body’s own immune system. These drugs may be taken orally or intravenously.
Splenectomy
Splenectomy is a surgical procedure in which the spleen is removed. The spleen is an organ that plays a role in the body’s immune system, and removing it can help to reduce the amount of red blood cells destroyed by the body’s own immune system.
Combination Treatments
In some cases, a combination of different treatments may be used to treat AIHA. For example, a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may be used, or a combination of corticosteroids and splenectomy may be used. The goal of combination treatments is to reduce the amount of red blood cells destroyed by the body’s own immune system.
