Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA)

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is an autoimmune condition that causes a person’s immune system to create antibodies that attack red blood cells. This leads to anemia, which is a shortage of red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout the body. Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath while exercising, abnormal paleness of the skin, palpitations and dizziness. Some patients have more severe symptoms, including loss of consciousness due to a sudden fall in blood pressure, chest pain, abnormally fast heartbeat and heart failure. wAIHA can onset at any age but is most commonly diagnosed between 50 and 70. Current treatments are supportive and include corticosteroids, artificial antibodies, removal of the spleen, blood transfusions and immunosuppressive therapies.

The latest on our research

We are jumpstarting our wAIHA program in collaboration with the wAIHA Warriors to accelerate research for this condition. We welcome all patients, caregivers and researchers interested in participating and spreading the word to the wAIHA community.