Immune – Mediated Cytopenias

Abstract

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia represent a group of disorders in which individuals produce antibodies directed towards one or more of their own erythrocyte membrane antigens. There are two major classes of erythrocyte antibodies that produce hemolysis, classified according to their thermal prope11ies into warm and cold-reactive antibodies. The pattern of red cell clearance, the site of sequestration, the response to therapy, and the prognosis are related to the class of antibody involved. A mixed variety is also described.

Thr6mbocytopenia may result from -immunologic platelet injury through different mechanisms including; the development of autoantibodies against platelet­ membrane antigens, the binding of immune complexes to platelet fc receptors, and platelet lysis secondary to complement fixation. I Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, SLE, viral or bacterial infections, and drugs are the commonest causes of immune mediated cytopenias.