DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Hematologic Disorder

Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (wAIHA)

HIGH SEVERITY

A condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells, causing anemia. IgG antibodies react at body temperature.

Global Affected

80.0K

Countries

15

Symptoms

Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Jaundice
Dark urine
Enlarged spleen

Treatment Options

Corticosteroids (prednisone)
Rituximab (Rituxan)
Splenectomy
Azathioprine
Cyclophosphamide
Mycophenolate mofetil
Fostamatinib (Tavalisse)
Blood transfusions

Risk Factors

1Autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
2Lymphoproliferative disorders (CLL, lymphoma)
3Certain medications (penicillin, cephalosporins)
4Infections (viral)
5Age over 50
6Female gender

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Complete blood count (anemia)
  • 2Reticulocyte count (elevated)
  • 3Peripheral blood smear (spherocytes)
  • 4Direct antiglobulin test (DAT/Coombs)
  • 5LDH and bilirubin (elevated)
  • 6Haptoglobin (decreased)

Prognosis

Variable. 70-80% respond to initial corticosteroids. 20-30% achieve sustained remission off steroids. Relapse common when steroids tapered. Rituximab effective in 60-70% of refractory cases. Splenectomy effective in 60-80%. Overall 5-year survival 70-80%. Secondary wAIHA (associated with CLL/lymphoma) has worse prognosis. Severe anemia can be life-threatening.

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Avoid triggering medications
  • Vaccinations before splenectomy
  • Regular monitoring of hemoglobin

Research Status

First-line corticosteroids, rituximab for steroid-sparing or refractory disease. Splenectomy for selected patients. Immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide). Fostamatinib recently approved.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoIndiaChinaSouth AfricaNigeria

Sources

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459335
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/warm-antibody-hemolytic-anemia

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.