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==Description==

==Description==

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) is the result of a [[Type II Hypersensitivity - WikiBlood|type II antibody-mediated immune response]] directed against molecules expressed on the surface of erythrocytes.  The clinical presentation of the disease depends on the isotype of antibody produced and the severity of the anaemia.

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) is the result of a [[Type II Hypersensitivity|type II antibody-mediated immune response]] directed against molecules expressed on the surface of erythrocytes.  The clinical presentation of the disease depends on the isotype of antibody produced and the severity of the anaemia.

[[IgM]] antibodies are capable of fixing complement on the surface of red blood cells leading to the assembly of a membrane attack complex.  This complex causes the direct lysis of erythrocytes and '''intravascular haemolysis'''.  Since IgM antibodies have a high avidity, they are also able to co-ordinate the formation of large numbers of red blood cells into aggregates, a phenomenon known as '''auto-agglutination'''.

[[IgM]] antibodies are capable of fixing complement on the surface of red blood cells leading to the assembly of a membrane attack complex.  This complex causes the direct lysis of erythrocytes and '''intravascular haemolysis'''.  Since IgM antibodies have a high avidity, they are also able to co-ordinate the formation of large numbers of red blood cells into aggregates, a phenomenon known as '''auto-agglutination'''.