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Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a drop in the number of red blood cells due to a problem with the body's defense (immune) system.
Folic acid deficiency anemia. Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B family. It is used in the production of new red blood cells. Some people do not get enough folic acid in their normal diet, so their bodies are unable to produce enough red blood cells. In other cases, the body may not be able to properly use the folic acid eaten.
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.
There are other types of immune hemolytic anemias where the cause may result from an underlying disease or medication. Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for one-half of all immune hemolytic anemias. The onset of the disease may be quite rapid and very serious.
Symptoms
Symptoms in AIHA vary according to the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, pale skin, weakness, dizziness, confusion, low blood pressure, intolerance to physical activity, enlarged liver, increased heart rate and heart murmur. When RBC destruction is rapid, mild jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes associated with dark urine can occur. If RBC destruction persists for extended periods, the spleen can become enlarged, causing symptoms of abdominal fullness or bloating.
When the cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia is another disease, symptoms of the underlying disease, such as swollen and tender lymph nodes and fever, may dominate.
Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia but they do not address the root of the problem. Generally, by undergoing comprehensive natural medicine testing, the reasons the body is producing antibodies against itself can be found. Some of these reasons include sensitivities or allergies to foods, inhalants and chemicals and various infections.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medications, and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You will most likely be referred to a hematologist.
Tests may include the following:
Extensive blood testing
Urinalysis
Treatment
In cases where symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia are mild, or when the destruction of red blood cells seems to be decreasing on its own, individuals may not require any medical treatment.
However, in cases when anemia is caused by an underlying source, such as mononucleosis or viral medications used to treat mono, treatment will usually involve dealing with this underlying cause. Treatment may also involve taking immune system suppressant drugs such as steroids or gamma globulin to help suppress the system's attack of red blood cells.
The most frequent course of therapy for AIHA is the administration of high doses of corticosteroids such as prednisone, which have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and immunosupressive action that impairs functions of various components of the immune system. Once the disease is in remission, low dose, intermittent therapy is continued for several months. Some dogs, however, do not respond to corticosteroid treatment and require more potent immunosuppressive drugs that are often combined with corticosteroid treatment. Such drugs include cytotoxic agents such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide.
