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Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a type of hemolytic anemia where the body’s immune system attacks its own red blood cells (RBCs), leading to their destruction (hemolysis).[1][2]
Although MeSH uses the term “autoimmune hemolytic anemia”,[3] some sources prefer the term “immunohemolytic anemia” so that drug reactions can be included in this category.[4][5]
The National Cancer Institute considers “immunohemolytic anemia”, “autoimmune hemolytic anemia”, and “immune complex hemolytic anemia” to all be synonyms.[6]
Antibodies and associated complement system components become fixed onto the RBC surface. These antibodies can be detected with the direct antiglobulin test, also known as the direct Coombs test.
AIHA can also be induced by several drugs including methyldopa and fludarabine.
Haemolysis can be intravascular or extravascular.
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