The term "hemolytic anemia" collected various congenital, hereditary and acquired diseases. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, for example, is a phenomenon in which the immune system begins to self-destruct own healthy cells of red blood cells. It happens because it takes them for potentially dangerous alien bodies.
Causes and symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia
As a rule, to say for sure, because of what the immune system begins to malfunction of this kind, specialists are hampered, therefore the ailment remains idiopathic until the end of treatment. Often it develops against the background of such problems as:
- acute leukemia;
- lupus erythematosus ;
- lymphocytic leukemia (in chronic form);
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- hepatitis;
- rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, depending on the form of the disease, can vary insignificantly. The most common manifestation of the disease is as follows:
- severe weakness;
- shortness of breath;
- heart palpitations;
- temperature jump;
- change in skin color (in some patients the epidermis takes a lemon shade);
- soreness in the chest area;
- a rash that is easily confused with hives;
- itching.
Diagnostic studies in this case show an increase in the spleen and liver, in the analysis of blood - increased bilirubin .
Treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Most patients are prescribed glucocorticoid hormones. They help to suppress the activity of the immune system and prevent further eradication of red blood cells. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants.
In some cases, blood transfusion or liver transplantation may be required to prevent the negative consequences of autoimmune hemolytic anemia.