Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia Flashcards
1
Q
Causes of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA)
A
- idiopathic
- secondary to:
> lymphoproliferative disorder
> infection
> drugs
2
Q
Investigation findings in AIHA
A
- anaemia
- reticulocytosis
- low haptoglobin
- high LDH
- positive coombs (DAT) test
3
Q
AIHA on blood film
A
spherocytes and reticulocytes
4
Q
What antibody is responsible for WARM AIHA?
A
IgG
5
Q
When and where does warm AIHA occur?
A
At body temperature
Extravascular haemolysis (spleen)
6
Q
Causes of warm AIHA
A
idiopathic
autoimmune disease: e.g. SLE
lymphoma
CLL
drugs: e.g. methyldopa
7
Q
Treatment of Warm AIHA
A
- Tx of underlying disorder
- Steroids (+/- rituximab) 1st line
8
Q
What antibody is responsible for Cold AIHA?
A
IgM
9
Q
When and where does cold AIHA occur?
A
4 degrees
- intravascular
10
Q
Features of cold AIHA
A
Raynaud’s
acrocynaosis
11
Q
Patients with cold AIHA respond less well to steroids. TRUE/FALSE?
A
TRUE
12
Q
Causes of cold AIHA
A
neoplasia: e.g. lymphoma
infections: e.g. mycoplasma, EBV
