Understanding Acquired Hemolytic Anemias: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Sign In

All Posts Conditions About

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Acquired Hemolytic Anemias

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Nonautoimmune Hemolytic Anemia - Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia - Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome

General

Acquired hemolytic anemia is a group of disorders in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made. may be divided into two subgroups- non immune and immune hemolytic anemia. Immune hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by a positive direct coombs test, is divided into warm or cold antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia and alloimmune hemolytic anemia. includes autoimmune hemolytic anemia . Warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia consists of lupus and Evan’s syndrome. Cold antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia include idiopathic cold hemagglutinin syndrome, infectious mononucleosis and mycoplasma pneumonia and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. Alloimmune hemolytic anemia include hemolytic disease of the newborn, alloimmune hemolytic blood transfusion reaction, and drug induced immune mediated hemolytic anemia caused by high dose penicillin or methyldopa. The non-immune mediated hemolytic anemia, when direct Coombs test is negative, include drugs, toxins, trauma, mechanical, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, infections and membrane disorders such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and liver diseases.

53 people with Acquired Hemolytic Anemias are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

Hemolytic anemias symptoms may include paleness, jaundice, dark urine, fever, weakness, dizziness, confusion, enlarged spleen or liver, tachycardia and a heart murmur.

Diagnosis

On a blood test, complete blood count may show anemia with low levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells and high reticulocyte counts as well as signs for red blood cells breakdown- decreased levels of haptoglobin and increased levels of bilirubin. On a peripheral blood smear abnormal shapes of red blood cells may be detected. A direct Coombs test may be used to detect red blood cells antibodies. A urine test may show the presence of free hemoglobin. Other tests can be done for further evaluation.

Treatment

Treatment for hemolytic anemia depends on many factors, and ofcourse- the underlying cause. Treatment may include blood transfusions, corticosteroids, rituximab, and IVIG to strengthen the immune system. In severe cases, a splenectomy may be necessary as well as immunosuppressive therapy.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

About Alike Wisdom Blog FAQ Editorial Team All Conditions All Posts All Communities Support

Your Privacy Stories Community Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Helplines Contact Us Group Chats Guidelines Moderation Process