Causes

Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is an acquired disease that occurs when antibodies form against a person's own red blood cells. In the idiopathic form of this disease, the cause is unknown.

Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for one-half of all immune hemolytic anemias.

There are other types of immune hemolytic anemias in which the cause may result from an underlying disease or medication. The disease may start quickly and be very serious.

Risk factors are not known.

Symptoms

• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Pale color (pallor)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Yellow skin color (jaundice)

Exams and Tests

An examination may reveal an enlarged spleen.

Tests include:

• Direct Coombs' test
• Hemoglobin in the urine
• Indirect Coombs' test
• Red blood cell count and serum hemoglobin
• Reticulocyte count
• Serum bilirubin levels
• Serum haptoglobin

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.

Therapy to suppress the immune system 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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Adults may have long-term disease that keeps returning. In children the anemia is usually short-lived.

Possible Complications

• Infection (as a complication of treatment)
• Severe anemia

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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

Prevention

There is no known prevention for idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia, because the cause is unknown.

Alternative Names

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia; Anemia - idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic

References

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

Powers A, Silberstein LE. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 47.

Update Date: 1/31/2012

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, 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.