Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) is a rare, chronic condition in which the body produces antibodies that attack and destroy its own red blood cells. This causes anemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Symptoms
The symptoms of WAIHA depend on the severity of the anemia and can include fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), dark urine, rapid heart rate, and an enlarged spleen.
Causes
The exact cause of WAIHA is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells.
Diagnosis
WAIHA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), a peripheral blood smear, and a direct antiglobulin test (DAT).
Treatment
Treatment for WAIHA depends on the severity of the anemia, but may include medications to suppress the immune system, medication to increase red blood cell production, or a blood transfusion.
