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Warm antibody hemolytic anemia
Other Names for this Disease
- Warm antibody AIHA
- Warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Warm-reacting-antibody hemolytic anemia
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Overview
Warm antibody hemolytic anemia is the most common form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. It is defined by the presence of autoantibodies that attach to and destroy red blood cells at temperatures equal to or greater than normal body temperature.[1][2] The disease is characterized by symptoms related to anemia, including fatigue, difficulty breathing, jaundice and dark urine. In severe disease, fever, chest pain, syncope or heart failure may occur. Hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) occurs mainly in the spleen, so mild splenomegaly is relatively common. Treatment typically involves a corticosteroid like prednisone. In cases that don't respond to treatment, splenectomy may be considered. Chronic and severe disease may be treated with Rituximab or immunosuppressive medications. [2]
References
- Lichtin AE. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Merck Manual. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/blood_disorders/anemia/autoimmune_hemolytic_anemia.html. Accessed December 19, 2012.
- Michel M. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type. Orphanet. http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=EN&Expert=90033. Accessed December 19, 2012.
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General Information
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
- The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. Since October 1997, the NHLBI has also had administrative responsibility for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge. Click on the link to read information on this topic.