From the Guidelines
Hemolytic anemia symptoms include weakness, paleness, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, inability to do physical activity, and heart murmur, as defined in the American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline 1. These symptoms occur due to the destruction of red blood cells, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Key symptoms to look out for include:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Paleness or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark-colored urine
- Fever
- Inability to perform physical activities
- Heart murmur According to the guideline, autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan is over 1. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms are experienced, as treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause, which could be autoimmune disorders, infections, or certain medications. The American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline provides a comprehensive approach to managing immune-related adverse events, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia 1.
From the Research
Hemolytic Anemia Symptoms
Hemolytic anemia is a disease caused by autoantibodies, resulting in various complaints and clinical symptoms 2. The symptoms of hemolytic anemia can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Common Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Cold hands and feet
Classification and Treatment
Hemolytic anemia can be classified into different types, including warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) and cold agglutinin disease (CAD) 3, 4. The treatment of hemolytic anemia depends on the underlying cause and may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, rituximab, and splenectomy 2, 3, 4, 5.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
Diagnosis of hemolytic anemia involves direct and indirect antiglobulin tests, and the treatment approach requires determination of the underlying cause 3, 6. The treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's response to initial treatment. In some cases, plasma exchange (PE) may be used as a third-line treatment option for severe and refractory anemia 2.