Treatments For Acquired Hemolytic Anemia

Medication

Physicians may also recommend medication for patients diagnosed with acquired hemolytic anemia. One category of medications often used are corticosteroids, which are typically the first line of attack utilized when beginning to treat acquired hemolytic anemia. These are powerful steroids that stop the immune system from creating the antibodies destroying red blood cells. However, steroid use is never recommended as a long-term solution to any health problem due to the seriousness of the potential side effects. These corticosteroids are typically utilized in conjunction with another treatment option to minimize the risk of causing further complications.

Blood And Marrow Stem Cell Transplant

Because of where underlying problems of decreased red blood cells and their effectiveness originates, researchers have begun to utilize blood and marrow stem cell transplants to treat acquired hemolytic anemia. Though in the past the cells were taken directly from the bone marrow, researchers have improved the technology behind this formerly painful procedure, now collecting the stem cells from the blood itself. Because the cells of the patients are already flawed, they will receive the stem cells from a donor before undergoing this treatment. Receiving blood and marrow stem cell transplants has been shown to reduce the number of blood transfusions needed in individuals with acquired hemolytic anemia.