drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia, also known as Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA), is a rare cause of hemolytic anemia. It is difficult to differentiate from other forms of anemia which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Many different types of antibiotics can cause DIIHA and discontinuing the offending medication is the first line of treatment. DIIHA has is estimated to affect one to two people per million worldwide. In some cases, a drug can cause the immune system to mistakenly think the body's 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. It is known that more than 150 drugs can cause this type of hemolytic anemia. The list includes: Cephalosporins (a class of antibiotics) Dapsone Levodopa Levofloxacin Methyldopa Nitrofurantoin Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - among them, the commonly used Diclofenac and Ibuprofen Phenazopyridine (pyridium) Quinidine