What is the primary treatment for warm agglutinin disease?

The primary treatment for warm agglutinin disease, which is characterized by the immune system producing antibodies that target and destroy red blood cells at body temperature, is typically splenectomy. The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering blood and removing damaged or antibody-coated red blood cells. By removing the spleen, the destruction of these cells can significantly decrease, leading to an improvement in hemoglobin levels and a reduction in anemia.

While corticosteroids can help in managing the condition by reducing immune activity, they are not always effective for all patients and do not address the underlying mechanism of red blood cell destruction. Transfusions may provide temporary relief for symptoms of anemia but do not treat the underlying cause of warm agglutinin disease. Immunosuppressants might be used in certain cases, but splenectomy remains the mainstay of treatment for many patients with more severe forms of this condition.