Autoimmune hemolytic anemia:
Chapter: 20a
Anemia due to destruction of RBC's by autoantibodies directed against autologous rbc antigens, with resultant shortened red cell survival. The antibodies are classified as warm (optimum reactivity at 37 oC) or cold (optimum reactivity below 37 oC). These antibodies can also be classified based on the presence or absence of an underlying disorder which is associated with AIHA. If there is no underlying disorder, the anemia is classified as idiopathic or primary. If an associated disorder is present, the anemia is classified as secondary, and includes the presence of underlying lymphoproliferative disorders, SLE, some infections and some drugs, including methyl-dopa and quinidine. Peripheral blood shows polychromasia, spherocytes and a variable anemia; elevation of LDH and mild hyperbilirubinemia may be present.