Drug induced hemolytic anemia (patient information)

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when a medicine triggers the body's defense (immune) system to attack its own red blood cells. This causes red blood cells to break down earlier than normal, a process called hemolysis.

What are the symptoms of Drug induced hemolytic anemia?

 * Dark urine
 * Fatigue
 * Pale skin color
 * Rapid heart rate
 * Shortness of breath
 * Yellow skin color (jaundice)

What causes Drug induced hemolytic anemia?

 * In some cases, a drug can cause the immune system to mistakenly think your own red blood cells are dangerous, foreign substances. Antibodies then develop against the red blood cells. The antibodies attach to red blood cells and cause them to break down too early.


 * Drugs that can cause this type of hemolytic anemia include:
 * Cephalosporins (a class of antibiotics) is the most common cause
 * Dapsone
 * Levodopa
 * Levofloxacin
 * Methyldopa
 * Nitrofurantoin
 * Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
 * Penicillin and its derivatives
 * Phenazopyridine (pyridium)
 * Quinidine


 * There are other, rarer causes of drug-induced hemolytic anemia. This includes hemolytic anemia associated with glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. In this case, the breakdown of red blood cells is due to a certain type of stress in the cell, rather than the body's immune system.


 * Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is rare in children.

When to seek urgent medical care?
See your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition.

Diagnosis

 * A physical examination may show an enlarged spleen. A number of blood and urine tests may be done to help diagnose this condition.


 * Tests may include:
 * Absolute reticulocyte count
 * Direct or indirect Coombs' test
 * Indirect bilirubin levels
 * Red blood cell count
 * Serum haptoglobin
 * Urine hemoglobin

Treatment options

 * Stopping the drug that is causing the problem may relieve or control the symptoms.


 * Some persons may be given a medicine called prednisone to reduce the immune response against the red blood cells.


 * Special blood transfusions may be needed to treat severe symptoms.

Where to find medical care for Drug induced hemolytic anemia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Drug induced hemolytic anemia

Prevention
You should continue to avoid the drug that caused this condition.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Most patients have a good outcome if they stop taking the drug that is causing the problem.

Possible complications
Death caused by severe anemia is rare.

Source
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000578.htm