Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Also known as AIHA. This is an autoantibody-mediated red blood cell destruction caused by warm (IgG-mediated) or cold (IgM-mediated) antibodies. Warm autoantibodies activate destruction through macrophages, whereas cold antibodies elicit the complement system. Causes of AIHA include viral infections, autoimmune disorders, certain lymphomas, and medications. It can also be idiopathic.