Autoimmune hemolytic anemia overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Assosciate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Prashanth Saddala M.B.B.S; Shyam Patel [2]
Overview
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a type of hemolytic anemia where the body's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, leading to their destruction (hemolysis). Antibodies and associated complement system components become fixed onto the red blood cell surface. These antibodies can be detected with the Coombs test or direct Coombs test. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia can also be induced by infections such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, drugs such as methyldopa and fludarabine, or malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Historical Perspective
The history of studies on autoimmune hemolytic anemia begins in the early 20th century with the description of clinical syndromes involving low hemoglobin in the setting of a circulating antibody. Various groups reported on the production of antibodies that could bind to red blood cells at either warm or cold temperatures. Over the years, diagnostic tests were developed and optimized to determine the exact type of antibody involved in hemolysis. Treatment modalities were developed, beginning with corticosteroids. Other immunosuppressive medications, such as rituximab, were soon found to be effective in patients with hemolytic anemia.