title: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
abstract: In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, individuals produce antibodies directed against one of their own erythrocyte membrane antigens. The hemolysis in autoimmune hemolytic anemia is most commonly extravascular rather than intravascular, and the liver and spleen play a major role in the clearance of the antibody-coated cells. The importance of complement in the destruction of IgM-coated cells has also been recognized.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003171:Complement Pathway, Classical / Q000187:drug effects; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006241:Haptens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000276:immunology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000276:immunology; D010406:Penicillins / Q000276:immunology; D011802:Quinidine / Q000276:immunology; D013156:Splenectomy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001323:Autoantibodies; D006241:Haptens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010406:Penicillins; D008750:Methyldopa; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D011802:Quinidine