Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Children

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to review the clinical hematological, immunological features and treatment responsiveness in children with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA). Eight children with AHA and positive Coombs' test was evaluated. Seven patients presented with acute onset of symptoms and histories of infection. One case was diagnosed as Evans syndrome, one as a chromosomal anomaly, and one case was combined with the Guillain-Barre syndrome. Among 8 the patients, 4 exhibited warm antibodies and the remainder had cold antibodies. The patients were given washed packed red blood cells, prednisolone or immunosuppressive drugs (6-MP or cyclophosphamide). Five patients responded well to transfusion and/or prednisolone, one patient died and one patient showed no response in 5 months of follow up.