| Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a drop | | | | Generally, by undergoing comprehensive natural |
| in the number of red blood cells due to a problem | | | | medicine testing, the reasons the body is |
| with the body's defense (immune) system. | | | | producing antibodies against itself can be found. |
| Folic acid deficiency anemia. Folic acid is a member | | | | Some of these reasons include sensitivities or |
| of the vitamin B family. It is used in the | | | | allergies to foods, inhalants and chemicals and |
| production of new red blood cells. Some people do | | | | various infections. |
| not get enough folic acid in their normal diet, so | | | | Diagnosis |
| their bodies are unable to produce enough red | | | | Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, |
| blood cells. In other cases, the body may not be | | | | medications, and medical history, and perform a |
| able to properly use the folic acid eaten. | | | | physical exam. You will most likely be referred to |
| Causes | | | | a hematologist. |
| Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is an | | | | Tests may include the following: |
| acquired disease that occurs when antibodies | | | | Extensive blood testing |
| form against a person's own red blood cells. In the | | | | Urinalysis |
| idiopathic form of this disease, the cause is | | | | Treatment |
| unknown. | | | | In cases where symptoms of autoimmune |
| There are other types of immune hemolytic | | | | hemolytic anemia are mild, or when the |
| anemias where the cause may result from an | | | | destruction of red blood cells seems to be |
| underlying disease or medication. Idiopathic | | | | decreasing on its own, individuals may not require |
| autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for | | | | any medical treatment. |
| one-half of all immune hemolytic anemias. The | | | | However, in cases when anemia is caused by an |
| onset of the disease may be quite rapid and very | | | | underlying source, such as mononucleosis or viral |
| serious. | | | | medications used to treat mono, treatment will |
| Symptoms | | | | usually involve dealing with this underlying cause. |
| Symptoms in AIHA vary according to the | | | | Treatment may also involve taking immune |
| severity of the condition. Common symptoms | | | | system suppressant drugs such as steroids or |
| include fever, fatigue, pale skin, weakness, | | | | gamma globulin to help suppress the system’s |
| dizziness, confusion, low blood pressure, | | | | attack of red blood cells. |
| intolerance to physical activity, enlarged liver, | | | | The most frequent course of therapy for AIHA is |
| increased heart rate and heart murmur. When | | | | the administration of high doses of corticosteroids |
| RBC destruction is rapid, mild jaundice, a yellowing | | | | such as prednisone, which have a pronounced |
| of the skin and eyes associated with dark urine | | | | anti-inflammatory and immunosupressive action |
| can occur. If RBC destruction persists for | | | | that impairs functions of various components of |
| extended periods, the spleen can become | | | | the immune system. Once the disease is in |
| enlarged, causing symptoms of abdominal fullness | | | | remission, low dose, intermittent therapy is |
| or bloating. | | | | continued for several months. Some dogs, |
| When the cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia | | | | however, do not respond to corticosteroid |
| is another disease, symptoms of the underlying | | | | treatment and require more potent |
| disease, such as swollen and tender lymph nodes | | | | immunosuppressive drugs that are often |
| and fever, may dominate. | | | | combined with corticosteroid treatment. Such |
| Conventional medical treatments may help relieve | | | | drugs include cytotoxic agents such as |
| the symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia | | | | azathioprine and cyclophosphamide. |
| but they do not address the root of the problem. | | | | |