Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia Flashcards
1
Q
Warm AIHA
What is it?
Where?
A
In warm AIHA the antibody (usually IgG) causes haemolysis best at body temperature and haemolysis tends to occur in extravascular sites, for example the spleen.
2
Q
Warm AIHA
Causes
A
Causes of Warm AIHA:
- autoimmune disease: e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus*
- neoplasia: e.g. lymphoma, CLL
- drugs: e.g. methyldopa
3
Q
Warm AIHA
Management
A
Steroids, immunosuppression and splenectomy
4
Q
Cold AIHA
features
where
clinica
A
cold AIHA is usually IgM and causes haemolysis best at 4 deg C.
Haemolysis is mediated by complement and is more commonly intravascular.
Features may include symptoms of Raynaud’s and acrocynaosis.
5
Q
Cold AIHA causes
A
Infectious Mononucloeisis (EBV)
lyMphoMa
MycoplasMa pneumonia
6
Q
Cold AIHA management
A
Does not respond to steroids well
7
Q
Investigations
A
Coombs test positive
