What is the primary treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemias?

The primary treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemias is corticosteroids. These medications work by suppressing the immune system and reducing the production of antibodies that target red blood cells. In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the body mistakenly identifies its own red blood cells as foreign and attacks them, leading to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and resultant anemia. Corticosteroids help to alleviate the hemolysis by dampening this inappropriate immune response, thus stabilizing blood cell counts and alleviating symptoms associated with anemia.

In contrast, while blood transfusions may be necessary in cases of severe anemia to provide immediate relief, they do not address the underlying immune-mediated destruction of red blood cells and are thus not considered a primary treatment. Antibiotics are used to treat infections but do not have a role in managing autoimmune hemolytic anemia directly. Chemotherapy is primarily used for malignancies and certain autoimmune diseases but is not indicated for the treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia unless there is an associated hematological cancer.