Anaemia - Haemolytic Anaemia - Alloimmune Haemolytic Anaemia

Question 1

What is Alloimmune Haemolytic Anaemia?

Answer 1

Either foreign RBCs in the patient’s blood cause an immune reaction or foreign antibodies circulate in the blood to cause haemolysis.

Question 2

What are the 2 possible scenarios of Alloimmune Haemolytic Anaemia?

Answer 2

1. Transfusion Reactions.

2. Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn.

Question 3

What is a Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction (3)?

Answer 3

1. RBCs are transfused into patient.
2. Immune system produces antibodies against antigens on foreign RBCs.
3. Immune response leads to destruction of RBCs.

Question 4

What is HDN?

Answer 4

Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn - antibodies cross the placenta from mother to foetus targeting antigens on RBCs of the foetus.