Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in children during 2004–2014 in the Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Warsaw Medical University

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare disorder in which the immune system produces pathologic antibodies directed against its own red blood cells (autoantibodies). AIHA is most commonly diagnosed by a positive result of the direct antiglobulin test (DAT, Coombs test). Depending on the temperature at which autoantibodies react with red blood cells in vitro AIHA is classified as warm-type AIHA with incomplete IgG autoantibodies and cold-type AIHA with cold IgM agglutinins (CAS – cold agglutinin syndrome) or with biphasic hemolysins (PCH – paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria). In mixed-type AIHA there are simultaneously warm autoantibodies and cold agglutinins. Aim The aim of this study was to find the number and types of AIHA diagnosed and treated in the Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology of Warsaw Medical University during the years 2004–2014. Material and methods The authors analyzed 54 children in which AIHA was diagnosed. The age of the child at diagnosis, the result of direct antiglobulin test and the type of autoantibodies in serum were taken into account. Results and discussion The most common type of AIHA in a group covered by the survey was cold-type AIHA, including paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (37%) and cold agglutinin syndrome (16%). Conclusions As far as the results are concerned, avoidance of cold is essential before the serological diagnosis is reached.