Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia
Also written as AIHA.
SLE) — can cause autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia (cytopenias are part of diagnostic criteria for SLE).
What our notes say
- SLE) — can cause autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia (cytopenias are part of diagnostic criteria for SLE). (Hematology & Blood Transfusion Pathology: MDS, Stem Cell Transplant)
- A patient with Chronic Lymphoid Leukaemia develops a warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. (Haematology End of Year 2025 Past Paper — MKU MBML 3200 Questions & Answers)
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia — IgG warm antibodies detected by direct antiglobulin test (Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained)
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) complicating CLL — initial treatment with prednisolone (Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained)
- Increased destruction (haemolytic) — hereditary (sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, hereditary spherocytosis, G6PD deficiency) or acquired (autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, malaria, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia/DIC) (Year 3: Haematology and Blood Transfusion Pathology)
- Key Complication — Warm Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA): (★) (Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide)
Study material on Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia
- Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained
- Hematopathology MCQs & Essays: MBChB Exam Revision Guide
- Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide
Practice questions on Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia
A patient with Chronic Lymphoid Leukaemia develops a warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Which test is essential to confirm this complication?
- Direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test
- Indirect antiglobulin test
- Serum haptoglobin level
- Reticulocyte count
Answer: A. The DAT detects antibody or complement bound directly to the patient's red cells, confirming autoimmune haemolysis. ---