What is Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

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

In some cases of autoimmune hemolysis, medications may attach to red cells, leading to targeting for destruction by the immune system. The most common are penicillin and some anti-inflammatory drugs. In most cases, however, abnormal immune function leads the body to attack normal red blood cells.

Symptoms for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia include dark brown urine, jaundice and rapid heartbeat. Treatment options for autoimmune hemolytic anemia includes treating the underlying condition and the use of drugs to suppress the immune system. There is presently no cure for autoimmune hemolytic anemia.