Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis

Caleb J Scheckel; Ronald S Go

doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2021.12.001

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2022 Apr;36(2):315-324. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2021.12.001. Epub 2022 Mar 11.

Authors

Caleb J Scheckel¹, Ronald S Go²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Electronic address: Scheckel.caleb@mayo.edu.
² Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

PMID: 35282951
DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2021.12.001

Abstract

The causes of hemolytic anemia are numerous and a systematic approach is critical for proper identification and classification. The direct antiglobulin test can establish the diagnosis and subclassify the majority of autoimmune hemolytic anemias. Further testing to identify the driver of AIHA can have significant implications in overall management. Advanced testing for rare nonimmune acquired hemolytic anemias or hereditary hemolytic anemias may be necessary if DAT testing is negative.

Keywords: Anemia; Autoimmune; Cold agglutinin disease; Coombs test; Hemolysis; Hereditary; Warm AIHA.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anemia, Hemolytic* / diagnosis
Anemia, Hemolytic* / etiology
Anemia, Hemolytic* / therapy
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune* / diagnosis
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune* / therapy
Autoantibodies
Coombs Test
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans

Substances

Autoantibodies