Autoimmune hemolytic anemias: characteristics and classification.

AIHAs may be caused by either IgG or IgM class antibodies which affects the presentation and severity of the hemolytic process. In addition, the IHA may be idiopathic or secondary in etiology. Resolution of underlying diseases in the secondary type will often resolve the hemolysis; however, treatment may require more than one course of action, especially in the WAIHAs.     

Red cell membrane phosphatidylinositol kinase activity in hemolytic anemias and myeloproliferative diseases

Phosphatidylinositol kinase activity was determined in red cell membranes from 85 healthy individuals, 20 patients with hereditary hemolytic anemia and 24 patients with myeloproliferative disorder. Increased activity was found in all ten cases of sickle red disease and seven among ten cases of other hereditary hemolytic anemias. These increases had no correlation with the reticulocyte count nor with the red cell shape. An unexpected decreased activity was found in several cases of myeloproliferative disorders, especially in polycythemia vera, with a negative correlation with the reticulocyte count. The mechanism(s) and significance of the phosphatidylinositol kinase abnormalities in these different groups of diseases remain to determine.