Immune hemolytic anemia

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Antibodies

Immune hemolytic anemia

Alternative Names:

Anemia - immune hemolytic
Treatment:

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

text continues below

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

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

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