Danazol in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

Abstract

Ten adult patients with warm antibody haemolytic anaemia at initial presentation and seven other patients with either refractory AIHA (two patients) or who relapsed after an initial response to prednisone (five patients) were treated with both Danazol and prednisone. 80% of the first group, but also 60% of the second group displayed long-lasting responses (mean follow up 21 months). Minimal side-effects occurred. Finally, addition of Danazol at presentation in warm AIHA may decrease the duration of prednisone therapy and markedly reduce the necessity of second-line splenectomy which is usually required in many patients.