Clinical and haematological characteristics of autoimmune haemolytic anemia: retrospective analysis of 10 cases

  • Maryann Margaret Bukelo Pathologist
  • Srikanth Umakanthan Lecturer in Anatomical Pathology, The University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Para Clinical Sciences, Building 5, Room# 30, EWMSC, Mount Hope. Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Sharada Rai Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University
Keywords: Autoimmune haemolytic anemia, cold agglutinin disease, direct antiglobin test

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune haemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a disease of red cell destruction due to different antibody types. They are of two types: warm antibody AIHA (IgG type) and cold agglutinin disease (IgM type). Direct Coombs test is the cornerstone for diagnosis of AIHA.Methods and results: A retrospective analysis of ten cases diagnosed with DAT were included. The cases showed female predilection (M: F = 1:9). Fatigue and breathlessness was the commonest presentation (90%) and Pallor was the most common (90%) physical examination finding. MCV (>100 fl) was seen in 9 cases (90%). Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positive in all ten cases (100%).Conclusion: AIHA is common in females and patients mainly present with anemia. Secondary cold AIHA was more common than primary and warm type of AIHA. Secondary AIHA was associated with connective tissue disorders.

Author Biographies

Srikanth Umakanthan, Lecturer in Anatomical Pathology, The University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Para Clinical Sciences, Building 5, Room# 30, EWMSC, Mount Hope. Trinidad and Tobago.
Lecturer in Anatomical Pathology, Department of Para- clinical sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences
Sharada Rai, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology

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Published
2015-06-05
Section
Original Article