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. 2021 Aug 15;58(8):737-740.
doi: 10.1007/s13312-021-2282-7. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Childhood Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: A Single Center Study

Kasi Bharathi Thatikonda  1 , Manas Kalra  1 , Arun Danewa  1 , Pallavi Sachdeva  1 , Tanusree Paul  1 , Divij Sachdeva  1 , Anupam Sachdeva  2
Affiliations

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Childhood Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: A Single Center Study

Kasi Bharathi Thatikonda et al. Indian Pediatr. .

Abstract

Objective: To analyze clinical and laboratory parameters, and treatment outcomes of children with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 50 children aged 0-18 years. Monospecific direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and investigations for secondary causes were performed. Disease status was categorized based on Cerevance criteria.

Results: Median (range) age at diagnosis was 36 (1.5-204) months. AIHA was categorized as cold (IgM+,C3+/cold agglutinin+) (35%), warm (IgG+ with/without C3+) (28%), mixed (IgG+, IgM+, C3+) (15%) and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (4%). Primary AIHA accounted for 64% cases. Treatment modalities included steroid (66%), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (4%), steroid+IVIg (4%), and steroid+rituximab (4%). Treatment duration was longer for secondary AIHA than primary (11 vs 6.6 months, P<0.02) and in patients needing polytherapy than steroids only (13.3 vs 7.5 months, P<0.006). During median (range) follow-up period of 73 (1-150) months, 29 (58%) remained in continuous complete remission, 16 (32%) remained in complete remission.

Conclusions: Infants with AIHA have a more severe presentation. Monospecific DAT and a thorough search for an underlying cause help optimize therapy in most patients of AIHA.

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