Inmunoglobulinas intravenosas en los episodios graves de anemia hemolítica autoinmune: resultados comparativos en 21 episodios de un único centro / Are intravenous immunoglobulins useful in severe episodes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia?: comparative results in 21 episodes from a single centre

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar los episodios de anemia hemolítica autoinmune (AHAI) por anticuerpo caliente y comparar el tratamiento corticoideo con inmunoglobulinas intravenosas (IGIV) (grupo A) o sin IGIV (grupo B). Pacientes y método: Estudio observacional que incluye 21 episodios hemolíticos ocurridos en 17 pacientes (9 varones y 12 mujeres), con una mediana de edad de 59 años (extremos 26 a 82 años). En el grupo A, 8 episodios recibieron IGIV + corticosteroides, y en el grupo B, 12 episodios solo corticosteroides y uno rituximab. Resultados: La cifra de hemoglobina (Hb) al diagnóstico fue 1,8 g/dl inferior (intervalo de confianza del 95% 0,6-3,1; p = 0,007) en el grupo A, con una mediana de Hb de 6,3 g/dl en este grupo frente a 7,9 g/dl en el grupo B. Existieron diferencias no significativas en la necesidad de transfusión de hematíes (50 frente a 23%; p > 0,20) y en el incremento global del valor de la Hb (7,3 frente a 5,6 g/dl; p > 0,20). El índice global de respuestas hematológicas fue similar: 88 frente a 92% (p > 0,20). Conclusiones: El empleo de IGIV en los episodios más graves de AHAI logró una respuesta hematológica similar a la de los episodios más leves tratados sin IGIV (AU)

Background and objective: To analyze haemolytic episodes in patients with warm antibody autoimmune haemolytic anemia (AIHA) and compare corticosteroids treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) (group A) or without IVIG (group B). Patients and methods: Observational study that includes 21 haemolytic episodes occurred in 17 patients (9 males and 12 females), with a median age of 59 years (26-82). In group A, 8 episodes received IGIV + corticosteroids and in group B, 12 episodes received only corticosteroids and one rituximab. Results: Hemoglobin (Hb) value at diagnosis was 1.8 g/dl lower (95% confidence interval: 0.6 to 3.1; P = .007) in group A, with a median Hb of 6.3 g/dl in this group vs 7.9 g/dl in group B. There were non-significant differences in red blood cells transfusion (50 vs 23%; P > .20) and global increase of Hb values (7.3 vs 5.6; P > .20). Overall hematological responses were similar: 88 vs 92% (P > .20). Conclusions: Hematological response achieved in more severe episodes with the use of IVIG was similar to non-severe episodes treated without IVIG (AU)

[Are intravenous immunoglobulins useful in severe episodes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia?: Comparative results in 21 episodes from a single centre]. / Inmunoglobulinas intravenosas en los episodios graves de anemia hemolítica autoinmune: resultados comparativos en 21 episodios de un único centro.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To analyze haemolytic episodes in patients with warm antibody autoimmune haemolytic anemia (AIHA) and compare corticosteroids treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) (group A) or without IVIG (group B). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study that includes 21 haemolytic episodes occurred in 17 patients (9 males and 12 females), with a median age of 59 years (26-82). In group A, 8 episodes received IGIV + corticosteroids and in group B, 12 episodes received only corticosteroids and one rituximab. RESULTS: Hemoglobin (Hb) value at diagnosis was 1.8 g/dl lower (95% confidence interval: 0.6 to 3.1; P = .007) in group A, with a median Hb of 6.3g/dl in this group vs 7.9 g/dl in group B. There were non-significant differences in red blood cells transfusion (50 vs 23%; P > .20) and global increase of Hb values (7.3 vs 5.6; P > .20). Overall hematological responses were similar: 88 vs 92% (P > .20). CONCLUSIONS: Hematological response achieved in more severe episodes with the use of IVIG was similar to non-severe episodes treated without IVIG.