What is AIHA anemia?

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) occurs when your immune system makes antibodies that attack your red blood cells . This causes a drop in the number of red blood cells , leading to hemolytic anemia.

What are the symptoms of AIHA?

Signs & Symptoms Generally symptoms of acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia resemble those of other anemias and may include fatigue, pale color, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dark urine, chills, and backache. In severe cases, yellow skin color (jaundice) may be present and the spleen may be enlarged.

Is AIHA intravascular or extravascular?

Phagocytic AIHA is termed extravascular, whereas complement-mediated lysis of RBCs is termed intravascular AIHA.

In which leukemia autoimmune hemolytic anemia is most common?

The clinical course of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is often made complicated by autoimmune phenomena which mainly target the blood cells. Among them, the autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is the most common form.

Does anemia mean weak immune system?

Research has shown iron deficiency anaemia can affect your immune system – the body’s natural defence system. This increases your vulnerability to infection.

Is AIHA curable?

Idiopathic AIHA can be fatal if left untreated. Idiopathic AIHA in children is typically short-lived. The condition is often chronic in adults, and can flare up or reverse itself without explanation. AIHA is highly treatable in both adults and children.

Is Warm AIHA extravascular?

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is caused by autoantibodies that react with red blood cells at temperatures ≥ 37° C (warm antibody hemolytic anemia) or < 37° C (cold agglutinin disease). Hemolysis is usually extravascular.

What happens if an immune response is directed against a self antigen?

Autoimmune disease occurs when a specific adaptive immune response is mounted against self antigens. The normal consequence of an adaptive immune response against a foreign antigen is the clearance of the antigen from the body.

Can low iron affect your eyes?

Dark circles under your eyes are common and are most often due to lack of sleep, but in some cases, they could suggest other health issues. Iron deficiency can prevent your blood from carrying sufficient oxygen to your eye tissues.

What is the treatment for AIHA?

The traditional treatment of AIHA includes corticosteroids, splenectomy and conventional immunosuppressive drugs. Over recent years, some new therapies have become available and there has been some evidence of success.

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