Immune hemolytic anemia

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Antibodies

Anemia - immune hemolytic

Treatment with the steroid prednisone is the first therapy that is tried. If prednisone does not improve the condition, a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be considered. Treatments with drugs that suppress the immune system will be given if the person does not respond to prednisone and splenectomy.

Blood transfusions, if indicated for severe anemia, are given with caution because of the potential that blood may not be compatible and it may precipitate a reaction.

In most people, steroids or splenectomy control anemia. In others, partial control of the anemia is usually achieved.

Death rarely occurs from severe anemia. Overwhelming infection may occur as a complication of treatment with steroids or splenectomy, since these treatments reduce the body's ability to fight infection.

Call your health care provider if unexplained fatigue or chest pain occurs, or if signs of infection are present.

Review Date: 11/09/2004
Reviewed By: Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Hematology/Oncology, The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.