What is wAIHA?

AGE

People of any age can develop wAIHA, but the most common age range is 50 - 70 years old

HEREDITY

Unlike hemophilia and other hereditary medical conditions, genetic predisposition to wAIHA within familial lines has not been documented

PREVALENCE

Approximately 17 individuals out of every 100,000 are diagnosed with wAIHA

GENDER

Women are just as likely to develop wAIHA as men

Symptoms generally develop over a timeframe of several weeks to several months (some patients may be asymptomatic initially), though they may also occasionally develop over a few days. Symptoms vary from person-to-person, dependent on onset rate, healthy red blood count destruction rate, and if there is an  underlying disorder.  ‍ 

COMMON SYMPTOMS 

• Abnormal paleness of the skin (pallor) 
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness 
• Fatigue 
• Palpitations 
• Shortness of breath when exercising (Exertional dyspnea) 
• Mild splenomegaly ‍ 

RARER SYMPTOMS 

• Dark urine (hemolysis) 
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (Jaundice)  

SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE wAIHA (particularly for quick onset)

• Loss of consciousness (syncope) 
• Chest pain (angina) 
• Abnormally rapid heartbeats (tachycardia) 
• Heart failure

There are several treatment options for wAIHA. As the first line is administered, physicians often observe how their patients react to the medication. If no improvements are seen, they may pursue other lines of therapy. Generally, including:  

FIRST LINE 

Corticosteroids and RBC transfusion  

SECOND LINE 

Immunosuppressive agents 

Rituximab  

THIRD LINE 

Splenectomy