Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Antibodies

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Alternative Names:

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia; Anemia - idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic

Treatment:

The first therapy tried is usually treatment with prednisone. If prednisone does not improve the condition, a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be considered.

Immunosuppressive therapy is given if the person does not respond to prednisone and splenectomy. Imuran and Cytoxan have both been used.

Blood transfusions are given with caution, if indicated for severe anemia, because of the potential that blood may not be compatible and may bring on a reaction.

Expectations (prognosis):

Adults may have chronic, relapsing disease, but in children the anemia is usually short-lived.

Complications:

Infection (from treatment)
Severe anemia

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of anemia.

Review Date: 1/26/2005
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, MD., Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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