Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Definition & Overview

Definition

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a condition in which your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells, causing them to disintegrate (hemolyze). This can be a serious, even lethal, condition that requires care from your doctor.

There are many causes of hemolysis, the breaking up of red blood cells. Some are congenital (eg, sickle cell disease ), some are due to other diseases, and some are caused by drugs, but they all lead to anemia . The autoimmune hemolytic anemias, of which there are many types, occur when antibodies attack red blood cells.

Red Blood Cells

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Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.

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