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662    Part V  Red Blood Cells


        usually resolve spontaneously, but antibiotic therapy may accelerate   complement factors. Insights into the way T cells drive and control
        the process.                                          the  immune  reaction  could  lead  to  novels  immunotherapeutic
                                                              approaches. Synthetic peptides modulating Th1 responses via regula-
                                                              tory T cells may be developed into therapeutic tools. Another option
        FUTURE DIRECTIONS                                     would be to target structures on macrophages responsible for RBC
                                                              destruction (e.g., the CD47–SIRP-α interaction). There is hope that
        Future research should mainly be directed toward generation of better   novel  targeted  therapies  will  replace  splenectomy  and  even  steroid
        treatment options. The generation of international guidelines is still   treatment of patients with AIHA.
        hampered by the lack of evidence. Every effort should be made to
        initiate valid comparisons of major treatment options such as steroids,
        splenectomy,  and  rituximab,  potentially  through  registries  or  ran-  REFERENCES
        domized trials.
           Novel  therapeutic  options  may  be  provided  by  next-generation   For the complete list of references, log on to www.expertconsult.com.
        anti-CD20  antibodies  or  antibodies  against  other  targets  such  as
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