Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia

Hello Doctor,

My fiancee is 29 and has AIHA for the past 13 yrs. He has had good HGB of 13-14 all along. But a high bilirubin of approx. 7 . His spleen is enlarged and is now approx. 17 cm. His liver is also a bit enlarged but has remained the same for the 13 yrs. He does not take any medication for it but takes some folic acid tablets.
He is completely fine but for his yellow eyes and the medical reports.

Now I really wanted to know what we can expect from our future and the problems we might face. Are there chances the disease becomes a problem some years down the line. For what size of the spleen do people usually get it removed? Are there chances of the disease being carried on to our kids?

I would be really thankful for your help.

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

Adiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA of unknown origin) can be caused by a number of insults, including certain drugs, including methyldopa, quinidine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, interferon alfa, hydrochlorothiazine, sulfa compounds, insulin, cephalothin, hydralazine, streptomycin, rifampin, and penicillin, among others.

It can also be caused by infections, such as HIV-1, Mycoplasma, and other infectious microbes that attach to Red Blood Cells and stimulate an immune response that also gets directed against the blood cells themselves.

This condition does not necessarily risk being transmitted to immediate family members, but if an infection, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is involved, then there is a certain risk that family members could contract this or other conditions.

Depending on the source of the problem, it could be solved by removing the offending drug or treating the offending microorganism.  Thus there can be a solution to the problem, and it does not have to continue long-term, although treatment can be difficult and take a long-term approach.

Read more at Suite101: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: http://autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/article.cfm/autoimmune_hemolytic_anemia,#ixzz0celTdhrT