| Mixed autoimmune hemolytic anemia (mixed AIHA) is a type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia defined by the presence of both warm and cold autoantibodies, which have a deleterious effect on red blood cells at either body temperature or at lower temperatures. Diagnosis is based on clinical or laboratory evidence of hemolytic anemia and the detection of autoantibodies, usually both IgG and IgM, with the direct anti-globulin test (DAT) showing a pattern of IgG with complement C3, and the presence of cold agglutinins (IgM) in the serum at a significant titer. The disease responds to corticosteroids, and may be followed by remission, but usually runs a chronic course with intermittent exacerbations. |
