Resumo

ALFONSO VALDES, María Elena  e  BENCOMO HERNANDEZ, Antonio. Treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemias. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.4, pp. 327-339. ISSN 0864-0289.

The treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemias (AIHA) is based on the individual clinical evaluation, immunochemical characteristics of the involved antibodies and the absence or presence of an underlying condition. The treatment of AIHAs varies according to its immunohematological classification. The steroids are the first line therapy for AIHA due to warm antibodies (wAIHA). After the initial remission, the doses should be reduced slowly, until the required maintenance level is reached; steroid-dependent or steroid resistant patients often require splenectomy or treatment with Rituximab (anti CD20 monoclonal antibody) and with less frequency, immunosuppressive drugs as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide. Patients with cold AIHA agglutinins (cAHAI) are resistant to steroids and splenectomy; patients with asymptomatic or stable anemia do not require treatment. Rituximab is the most effective treatment for symptomatic cases, although immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil could be used. Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria do not usually require treatment. Mixed type AIHAs may be treated similarly to those with wAIHA. Drug induced AIHAs usually respond to discontinuing the offending drug and steroids treatment. Transfusion should be avoided in AIHAs, except in life threatening situations; if it is required, small volumes of erytrhocyte concentrates should be administered, slowly, in cAIHA; the blood should be prewarmed at 37⁰ C.

Palavras-chave : autoimmune hemolytic anemias; treatment; steroids; splenectomy; transfusions; Rituximab; immunosuppressants.

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