Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia is demonstrated in patients with strong warm autoantibodies and can lead to in vitro hemolysis.
WAIHA is commonly found in middle-aged or older individuals. It is rarely found in children but is often associated with post-viral syndrome. The anemia can be associated with an autoimmune disease like lupus, certain cancers including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, or various medications such as penicillins.
The disease is associated with anemia, fatigue, difficulty breathing, jaundice, and dark urine output. Lab results may show a low hemoglobin and hematocrit, a high reticulocyte count, a positive direct and indirect Coomb's test, red cell destruction on a peripheral smear, and low haptoglobin levels. Treatment may consist of corticosteroids or splenectomy.
