Which of the following statements is correct?a)Blood cells are not ma...
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) causes the premature destruction of red blood cells. It causes fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath and dark urine. AHA is a type of acquired haemolytic anemia.
Which of the following statements is correct?a)Blood cells are not ma...
Premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) takes place in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). This autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly recognizes its own RBCs as foreign and attacks and destroys them. The correct answer is option 'C'.
Explanation:
Under normal circumstances, RBCs have a lifespan of approximately 120 days. In AIHA, the immune system produces autoantibodies that bind to the surface of the body's own RBCs, leading to their destruction. This premature destruction of RBCs is known as hemolysis.
The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. However, in AIHA, the immune system fails to recognize the body's own RBCs as self and mistakenly identifies them as foreign. This can be due to various underlying factors, including genetic predisposition, certain medications, infections, or other autoimmune disorders.
- Autoantibodies: In AIHA, autoantibodies are produced by the immune system. These autoantibodies bind to the surface of RBCs, marking them for destruction. This immune-mediated hemolysis can occur through various mechanisms, such as complement-mediated lysis or phagocytosis by macrophages in the spleen and liver.
- Symptoms and Consequences: The destruction of RBCs leads to a decrease in the overall number of circulating RBCs, causing anemia. Anemia is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Additionally, the breakdown of RBCs releases hemoglobin and other breakdown products, which can lead to jaundice and an increase in bilirubin levels.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: AIHA is diagnosed through blood tests that reveal evidence of hemolysis, such as low RBC count, elevated reticulocyte count (indicating increased RBC production in response to hemolysis), and elevated levels of bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Treatment options include immunosuppressive medications to suppress the immune response, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and in severe cases, blood transfusions and splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen).
In summary, autoimmune hemolytic anemia is characterized by the premature destruction of RBCs, resulting from the immune system mistakenly recognizing its own RBCs as foreign. This immune-mediated hemolysis leads to anemia and its associated symptoms. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential in managing this condition.
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