Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) Review

Practice flashcards covering the symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and clinical pearls for Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)

A condition characterized by

lethargy

weakness

pallor

tachypnea

icterus

discolored urine.

Spherocytes

A specific finding on a CBC indicative of Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

Polychromasia

An observation on a CBC associated with the regenerative response in IMHA.

Anisocytosis

The variation in red blood cell size often seen on a CBC in cases of IMHA.

Saline slide agglutination test

A diagnostic test used to identify Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

Coombs test

A diagnostic procedure used to detect antibodies against $RBCs$.

Immunosuppressant drugs for IMHA

A category of treatment including prednisone, azathioprine, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate.

Thromboembolism prevention

A therapeutic goal in IMHA management using aspirin, low molecular weight heparin, or unfractionated heparin.

Hemoglobinuria and Bilirubinuria

Causes of discolored urine in patients suffering from Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

Bone marrow response time

The duration of $3-5$ days required for the bone marrow to respond with regenerative anemia in IMHA cases.

Prognosis of IMHA

The clinical outlook for this condition is generally described as guarded.