Hemolytic Anemias Overview

Immune Hemolytic Anemias

• Alloimmune (isoimmune) and autoimmune types, including AIHA, drug-induced hemolysis, and Rh incompatibility

Non-Immune Hemolytic Anemias

• Abnormalities not related to immune response, including hereditary spherocytosis and hemoglobinopathies

Clinical Manifestations

• Anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly, and hemolysis
• Complications like aplastic anemia and thrombosis

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Coombs test, blood film analysis, and specific treatments for each type
• Addressing underlying causes, supportive care, and specific therapies for each condition

Common Diseases Mentioned

• Cold agglutinin disease (IgM)
• Evans' syndrome
• Ancylostoma (hookworm) causing Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Diphyllobothrium latum leading to Megaloblastic Anemia
• Malaria causing hemolytic anemia
• Fanconi syndrome
• Dyskeratosis congenita
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Methyldopa-induced immune hemolytic anemia

Treatment Options for Idiopathic Aplastic Anemia

• First-Line Treatment: Blood transfusion and supportive care, immunosuppressive therapy with large doses of steroids
• Second-Line Treatment: Another immunosuppressive agent as a second-line therapy, plasmapheresis, IV gamma globulin, and rituximab, splenectomy in some cases
• Other Options: Bone marrow transplantation as the main treatment for idiopathic aplastic anemia, therapeutic doses of antibiotics and blood transfusions as needed

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

• Warm Antibody AIHA: Due to warm Abs IgG (C3d)
• Cold Agglutinin Disease: IgM antibodies causing hemolysis
• Drug-Induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia: Triggered by medications like methyldopa
• Other Types: Alloimmune (isoimmune) hemolytic anemia, Rh incompatibility-related hemolytic anemia

Learn about the types and causes of hemolytic anemias, including immune and non-immune hemolytic anemias, their clinical manifestations, and diagnosis and treatment.