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Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia - Treatment

Alternative Names

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia; Anemia - idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic

Treatment:

The first therapy tried is usually a steroid medication, such as prednisone. If steroid medications do not improve the condition, removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be considered.

Immunosuppressive therapy is usually given if the person does not respond to steroids and splenectomy. Medications such as Azathioprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and rituximab (Rituxan) have been used.

Blood transfusions are given with caution, because of the potential that blood may not be compatible and may cause further hemolysis.

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.

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 11/23/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Schwartz RS. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 164.

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