Causes Of Acquired Hemolytic Anemia

Autoimmune Disorders

With immune system disorders, the body can experience either low activity or over activity within the immune system. In cases of overactivity, the body launches attacks against itself, damaging precious body tissues. The triggers may be unknown, for the most part. Such autoimmune diseases leave the body vulnerable to infections. Treatments tend to focus on reducing this self-attack on the body.

Some of the autoimmune disorders that can cause acquired hemolytic anemia include rheumatoid arthritis; inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); multiple sclerosis; and Type 1 diabetes mellitus, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. But these are not all. Other conditions to watch for include chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a neurological disorder; psoriasis, a skin disorder; Graves' disease, also called hyperthyroidism; Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can lead to hypothyroidism; Myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease; and vasculitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels.

Treatment of the underlying disorder most often improves the condition of anemia. It may vary and can include taking oral synthetic hormone pills, prednisone, or other corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, surgery, or plasmapheresis. In more severe cases, patients may be treated with oral or Intravenous hydrocortisone treatments followed by oral doses of prednisone.

For some patients, acquired hemolytic anemia will clear up on its own without the need for treatment, but for others, it can present a long-term problem that can come and go over the years. Your doctor can help with diagnosis and treatment for the best outlook.