Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia Flashcards
True or False ?Autoimmune haemolytic anaemias (AIHAs) are characterized by a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT), also known as the Coombs’ test .
TRUE!!
Fill in the blanks. “ In warm AIHA , red cells are coated by ________ antibody.”
IgG
” it is Warm in Georgia”
True or False? In warm AIHA , it can be coated with IgG alone or together with complement.
TRUE!!
What are the clinical features of Warm AIHA?
- Enlarged spleen
- Often associated with lymphoid malignancies infection and auto-immune diseases
Fill in the blanks. “ When Warm AIHA is associated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), it is called ___________.”
Evan’s syndrome
Fill in the blanks. “ When Warm AIHA is secondary to SLE , the cells are typically coated with _________ &_________.”
Immunoglobulin and Complement
At what temperature , is Warm AIHA detected at?
37 degrees celsius
True or False? In Warm AIHA, The DAT is positive as a result of IgG, IgG and complement or IgA on the cells and, in some cases, the autoantibody shows specificity within the Rh system.
TRUE!!
What is the most prominent feature in Warm AIHA?
Spherocytosis in peripheral blood ( typical extravascular haemolysis)
What are the treatment options for Warm AIHA?
- Treat underlying cause
- Corticosteroids - Prednisolone is the usual first-line treatment. - Antacid therapy & vitamin D and calcium supplements and possibly with oral bisphosphonate for patients on steroid therapy for over 3 months and over 40 years.
- Monoclonal antibody - CD20 ( Rituximab)
4.Splenectomy
5.Immunosuppression - Azathioprine, bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, ciclosporin and mycophenolate mofetil have been tried with varying success.
- Folic acid
7.Blood Transfusions
- High dose Immunoglobulin
- Venous thrombosis prophylaxis
What is the autoantibody present in Cold AIHA?
IgM
” It is Cold in the Mountains”
What are the different types of autoantibodies that are presented in Cold AIHA?
- Monoclonal - as in Primary Haemagglutinin syndrome or associated with lymphoproliferative diseases.
- Polyclonal - after association with infections ex Infectious mononucleosis or Mycoplasma pneumonia
At temperature do the IgM antibodies is Cold AIHA bind to red cells?
4°C
True or False? Both complement & IgM factors can be detected on red cells in laboratory tests to determine Cold AIHA.
FALSE!! ONLY COMPLEMENT factors can be detected on red cells in laboratory tests, as the IgM antibody is eluted off as cells flow through warmer parts of the circulation.
Fill in the blanks. “ In nearly all these cold AIHA syndromes the antibody is directed against the _____________ on the red cell surface while in infectious mononucleosis it is _________.”
In nearly all these cold AIHA syndromes the antibody is directed against the ‘I’ ANTIGEN on the red cell surface. In infectious mononucleosis it is ANTI- I