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Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Antibodies
Antibodies

Alternative Names    Return to top

Immune hemolytic anemia secondary to drugs; Anemia - immune hemolytic - secondary to drugs

Definition    Return to top

Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when a medicine triggers the body's defense (immune) system to attack its own red blood cells. This causes red blood cells to break down earlier than normal.

See also: Hemolytic anemia

Causes    Return to top

In some cases, a drug can cause the immune system to mistakenly think your own red blood cells are dangerous, foreign substances. Antibodies then develop against the red blood cells. The antibodies attach to red blood cells and cause them to break down too early.

Drugs that can cause this type of hemolytic anemia include:

There are many other rarer causes of drug-induced hemolytic anemia. This includes hemolytic anemia associated with glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. But in this case, the breakdown of red blood cells is due to a certain type of stress in the cell, not the body's immune system.

Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is rare in children.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A physical examination may show an enlarged spleen. A number of blood and urine tests may be done to help diagnose this condition.

Tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

Stopping the drug that is causing the problem may relieve or control the symptoms.

Some persons may be given a medicine called prednisone to reduce the immune response against the red blood cells. Special blood transfusions may be needed to treat severe symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most patients have a good outcome if they stop taking the drug that is causing the problem.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Death caused by severe anemia is rare.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

See your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition.

Prevention    Return to top

You should continue to avoid the drug that caused this condition.

References    Return to top

Schwartz R. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 164.

Update Date: 3/2/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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