in the case of a blood transfusion) AIHA is a relatively rare condition, affecting one to three people per 100,000 per year.

Rapid deterioration of kidney function (acute kidney injury) and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (destruction of blood cells) may also occur.

Diagnosis The diagnosis is made upon blood tests to confirm not only hemolytic anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, but also a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and an absence of any known underlying cause.

Researchers (including at my laboratory) have investigated how the body naturally handles the occasional release of hemoglobin from aging red blood cells and from cells affected by blood diseases, such as hemolytic anemia.