The role of the spleen in "autoimmune" blood disorders

Several immune-mediated blood disorders in both children and adults have findings compatible with an autoimmune etiology, although the autoantigen in most instances is not clearly established. In the present report, we review briefly the clinical features of immune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and immune neutropenia in children and discuss the possible pathogenetic mechanisms based on present experimental and clinical observations. The role of the spleen in the pathophysiology of these disorders is emphasized.