Cause 9. Autoimmune Disorders: An Immune System Gone Awry
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, causing inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. Some autoimmune disorders can directly or indirectly cause anemia by affecting red blood cell production or survival. Common autoimmune disorders linked to anemia include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
In the case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), the immune system attacks and destroys red blood cells prematurely. AIHA can be classified as either warm or cold, depending on the temperature at which the autoantibodies bind to red blood cells. Warm AIHA is more common and is typically caused by autoantibodies that bind to red blood cells at body temperature. Cold AIHA, on the other hand, is caused by autoantibodies that bind to red blood cells at lower temperatures.
Treatment for anemia caused by autoimmune disorders often involves managing the underlying autoimmune disease. This can help alleviate the anemia symptoms. Immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids or other immunomodulatory drugs, are often prescribed to reduce the immune system’s attack on red blood cells. In more severe cases, blood transfusions or splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be necessary. (9)
