Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. The destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body. If you have a lower than normal amount of red blood cells, you have anemia.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is caused by hemolysis induced by the reaction of autoantibodies with red blood cells (RBCs). Events that lead to AIHA include extravascular hemolysis caused by phagocytosis of erythrocyte-bound IgG in the spleen (hemolytic mechanism), activation of polyclonal B cells, reactions induced by molecular mimicry of exogenous antigens, breakdown of immune tolerance, and abnormal cytokine expression (autoimmune mechanism). Evans syndrome is diagnosed by the simultaneous presence of AIHA, which is detected using a direct antiglobulin test (DAT), and immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in the absence of an underlying etiology. This syndrome is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and the production of either antibodies, or complement, or both that attack RBCs and platelets. A journal is a periodical publication intended to further progress of science, usually by reporting new research. Most journals are highly specialized, although some of the oldest journals publish articles, reviews, editorials, short communications, letters, and scientific papers across a wide range of scientific fields. Journals contain articles that peer reviewed, in an attempt to ensure that articles meet the journal's standards of quality, and scientific validity. Each such journal article becomes part of the permanent scientific record.