2021 CPIP-G Case 7: Hematology – Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (WAIHA) - A Laboratory Diagnosis that Requires Clinical Suspicion
2021 CPIP-G Case 7: Hematology – Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (WAIHA) - A Laboratory Diagnosis that Requires Clinical Suspicion is organized by College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Launch Date: July 19, 2021
Expiration Date: July 18, 2024 12:00 AM (ET)
Description:
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) is a relatively rare cause of anemia, occurring in both idiopathic and secondary forms. AIHA is mediated by autoantibodies against antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The clinical spectrum of disease presentation in WAIHA is variable with some patients presenting with mild asymptomatic anemia and others presenting with a life-threatening hemolytic crisis. This activity will discuss the essential role of the pathologist in the diagnosis and management of patients with WAIHA.
Objectives:
After completing this activity, you should be able to:
• Apply clinical and laboratory testing parameters for the appropriate diagnosis of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA).
• Identify clinical conditions in which the presence of AIHA should be suspected as part of the clinical presentation.
• Guide the clinical services towards the appropriate testing required for diagnosis.
• Discuss the laboratory testing required to separate the different types of WAIHA.