COLD TYPE AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA - A CASE REPORT

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare acquired immune disorder caused by autoantibodies that react with autologous red blood cells at temperatures ≥ 37° C (warm antibody hemolytic anemia) or < 37°C (cold agglutinin disease) which leads to accelerated destruction of the red blood cells. The etiology of the disease is not known. Yet, there are certain risk factors such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis, and other such autoimmune conditions that aggravate the occurrence of AIHA. General symptoms associated with the disease include shortness of breath, pale skin, generalized weakness, nausea, and vomiting. The conrmatory test to diagnose the type of AIHA is the Coombs test. A direct antiglobulin test detects the presence of RBC-bound autoantibodies, and an indirect antiglobulin test indicates the presence of autoantibodies in the serum. The standard treatment guidelines to treat AIHA include corticosteroids, blood transfusions in severe anemic cases, immunosuppressants and iron supplements if needed.