Condition4 connections · 1 source
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
Life-threatening condition where the immune system destroys the body's own red blood cells.
Key Facts
- Mortality approaches 70% — aggressive treatment essential
- Signs: weakness, yellow/orange tissues (jaundice), dark urine, pale gums
- Spherocytes on blood smear indicate immune-mediated destruction
- Autoagglutination (red cells clumping) is especially foreboding sign
- Thromboembolic disease is main cause of death
- Treatment: immune-suppressive drugs, possible blood transfusions
- Leukemoid reaction: spectacularly high white blood cell counts