In autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), antibodies are produced against components of RBCs. These antibodies can be of cold type (reacting with RBCs at low temperature, optimally at 4c; IgM) and warm type (reacting at 37c; IgG)

Classification and etiology

The classification is based on the etiology (primary/secondary) and the antibody type (warm/cold).

  • Warm type AIHA
    • Primary (idiopathic)
    • Secondary (most cases)
      • Autoimmune
        • Autoimmune diseases (SLE)
        • Lymphomas
        • Drug-induced (methyldopa)
      • Alloimmune
        • Hemolytic transfusion reactions (ABO-incompatible blood transfusion)
        • Hemolytic disease of the

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