IMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA

TYPES

There are two types of immune hemolytic anemia. These include:

• Primary. This type develops alone.
• Secondary. This type develops along with another health condition.

SYMPTOMS

The following are the common symptoms:

• Tiredness and weakness
• Paleness
• Shortness of breath
• Dark urine
• Headaches
• lightheadedness when standing up
• A sore tongue
• A low-grade fever
• Difficulty concentrating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Yellowish skin
• Muscle pains
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• heart palpitations or a rapid heartbeat

DIAGNOSIS

A CBC test may be used to diagnose this disorder. A complete blood count  is a blood test that checks for signs of anemia. In addition, this test evaluates:

• The amount of red blood cells in your body
• The number of platelets, RBC and WBC
• The hematocrit and hemoglobin

Moreover, your doctor may suggest additional testing if your CBC test results show anemia. One of the following alternatives is available:

• Reticulocyte count
• Coombs’ test
• Peripheral smear
• Bilirubin test
• Haptoglobin test
• Cold agglutinin titer

TREATMENT

If your anemia is caused by an illness like lupus, your doctor will first treat it. If a medication is to blame, you’ll probably have to stop taking it. If your IHA is minor, you might not even need therapy.

To prevent your immune system from attacking the red blood cells, steroids like prednisone and hydrocortisone are typically given first. Rituximab, a drug, may improve the effectiveness of steroids.

The spleen will be extracted if your illness does not get better. That’s where a lot of the red blood cell damage happens.

Azathioprine and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)  are two other medications that suppress the immune system (Imuran).

It’s possible that a blood transfusion will be ordered.