Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia Research Articles

Human intravenous immunoglobulin use for hematological immune-mediated disease in dogs.

To report on survival rates and risk factors in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) treated with human IV immunoglobulin (hIVIG; Privigen). We hypothesized that hIVIG could be used as a salvage treatment to improve survival and reduce the requirement for ongoing blood transfusion therapy in IMHA and ITP patients. 52 client-owned dogs with IMHA or ITP were included, comprising 31 females (28 spayed and 3 entire) and 21 males (19 castrated and 2 entire). Miniature Schnauzers were the most common breed (5), with a further 24 different breeds identified. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2006 and January 2022 that assessed the survival rates, risk factors, and need for ongoing transfusion in dogs with IMHA and ITP treated with hIVIG compared with those not receiving hIVIG. Of 36 dogs that did not receive hIVIG, 29 (80%) survived and 7 (24%) died, and of 16 dogs administered hIVIG, 11 (69%) survived and 5 (31%) died (P = .56). No effect of PCV at admission or age on the risk of death was detected (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.08; P = .89; and OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.47; P = .47, respectively). This was the largest study to date of dogs with hematological immune-mediated disease treated with hIVIG. There was no difference in survival rates for dogs that received hIVIG versus those treated with standard immunosuppression. The benefit of hIVIG as a salvage treatment appears limited.

Preliminary Study on Treatment Outcomes and Prednisolone Tapering after Marine Lipid Extract EAB-277 Supplementation in Dogs with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common autoimmune disorder in dogs with a high fatality rate and it remains a therapeutic challenge. The marine lipid extract, EAB-277, is a natural anti-inflammatory nutraceutical product. However, the effects of EAB-277 in IMHA dogs has rarely been investigated. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical effects of EAB-277 and prednisolone dose-tapering for supplemental therapy in IMHA dogs. Prednisolone was given to 18 anemic IMHA dogs according to a standard regimen. Six dogs were supplementally treated with EAB-277 for 28 days and the remaining twelve dogs were a control group of untreated supplementations. The results demonstrate that the supplement group showed slightly better survival rates (66.7 ± 19.2%) than the control group (16.7 ± 0.7%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.408). When compared to pre-therapy, the supplement group's blood profiles improved (p < 0.05). The EAB-277 treated group showed a moderate decrease in the incidence rate (4.20 times) of prednisolone tapering compared to the control group. The dosage reduction of prednisolone in supplement group was more than that in the control group (p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that EAB-277 supplementation may enhance clinical outcomes and lessen prednisolone dose-tapering in canine IMHA therapy.

Babesia gibsoni Infection in a Cat with Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia

Tick-borne haemoparasite Babesia gibsoni has been detected rarely in cats, in surveys of apparently healthy animals. In stored blood from a 6-year-old male-neutered domestic shorthair cat in Hong Kong, B. gibsoni DNA was detected retrospectively using PCR for Babesia spp. 18S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome B genes, followed by sequencing and basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analysis. The cat presented with severe haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia. The cat responded to supportive care and glucocorticoids and was clinically normal despite persistent subclinical thrombocytopenia until six months after presentation, when it succumbed to a fatal haemorrhagic episode. Necropsy revealed severe intestinal and pulmonary haemorrhage and hypocellular bone marrow with megakaryocytosis but no other causes of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP) or immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA). Blood stored on days 158 and 180 tested PCR negative for Babesia spp. This report demonstrates that geographic range of B. gibsoni detection in cats includes Hong Kong. The exclusion of other causes suggests that B. gibsoni might have potentially played a role in triggering immune-mediated disease in this case.

Septic pericarditis in a complicated case of non-associated immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in a Jack Russel terrier

A three-year-old, male, intact Jack Russel terrier was referred for severe regenerative anemia and was diagnosed with non-associated immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Treatment was implemented according to the ACVIM guidelines (Swann et al., 2019). As no response was seen eleven days later despite two immunosuppressive drugs, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG, 1 g/kg) were administered. Three days later, septic shock and diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) developed. Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade and thrombus in the right atrium. Fluid analysis confirmed septic pericarditis. A pericardial drain was placed following immediate reoccurrence of the pericardial effusion. Despite a stable hematocrit for several days following IVIG administration, a decrease in hematocrit was subsequently noted and splenectomy was performed. In total, six blood transfusions were given. Two years after presentation and intensive follow-up, immunosuppressive therapy was tapered, and the dog had excellent quality of life.

The Indirect Antiglobulin (Coombs') Test Is Specific but Less Sensitive Than the Direct Antiglobulin Test for Detecting Anti-Erythrocytic Autoantibodies and Thereby Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs.

The immunodiagnostic assessment of dogs suspected of having immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is based on persistent autoagglutination of erythrocytes (after three saline washes), marked spherocytosis, and a positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs') test (DAT). However, the value of using the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) for the detection of anti-erythrocytic autoantibodies in serum from dogs suspected of having IMHA is unclear. To evaluate the IAT, leftover serum samples from a large cohort of 94 dogs suspected of having IMHA and for which DAT results were known were incubated with DAT- erythrocytes, and five IAT techniques were performed (in part with different reagents and temperatures): microtiter plate (MICRO), microcapillary, laboratory gel column, gel minitube kit (GEL KIT), and immunochromatographic strip kit. Two IAT techniques (MICRO at 37 °C and GEL KIT with rabbit anti-dog polyvalent reagent) detected autoantibodies against erythrocytes in serum from 53% and 57% of DAT+ dogs, respectively, while other IATs performed less well. Moreover, while the analytic specificity of the IAT methods compared to the DAT ranged from 96-100%, the sensitivity range was only 9-57%. Thus, we still recommend DAT for diagnosis and monitoring of IMHA in dogs but conclude that a positive IAT result may aid diagnostically when serum is available, but fresh red blood cells are not.

Nephrotoxicity of Amoxicillin and Third-Generation Cephalosporins: An Updated Review.

Because of their broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, amoxicillin (AMX) and third-generation cephalosporins (TGC) are widely used for the prophylaxis and treatment of established infections. They are considered relatively safe, but several recent reports have suggested substantial nephrotoxicity, especially with AMX use. Considering the importance of AMX and TGC for clinical practice, we conducted this up-to-date review, using the PubMed database, which focuses specifically on the nephrotoxicity of these molecules. We also briefly review the pharmacology of AMX and TGC. Nephrotoxicity of AMX may be driven by several pathophysiological mechanisms, such as a type IV hypersensitivity reaction, anaphylaxis, or intratubular and/or urinary tract drug precipitation. In this review, we focused on the two main renal adverse effects of AMX, namely acute interstitial nephritis and crystal nephropathy. We summarize the current knowledge in terms of incidence, pathogenesis, factors, clinical features, and diagnosis. The purpose of this review is also to underline the probable underestimation of AMX nephrotoxicity and to educate clinicians about the recent increased incidence and severe renal prognosis associated with crystal nephropathy. We also suggest some key elements on the management of these complications to avoid inappropriate use and to limit the risk of nephrotoxicity. While renal injury appears to be rarer with TGC, several patterns of nephrotoxicity have been reported in the literature, such as nephrolithiasis, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or acute interstitial nephropathy, which we detail in the second part of this review.

A Case Report: Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia &amp; Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria Association

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) are two distinct causes of haemolytic anaemia. They have different mechanisms that underpin their pathogenesis and, therefore, require different treatment strategies. The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) or Coombs’ test is positive in cases of immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and, thus, is positive in AIHA but negative in PNH. We report a case of a man presenting with a haemolytic anaemia who was found to have concomitant evidence of AIHA and PNH. The case highlights the importance of carrying out a comprehensive haemolysis work-up in patients who present with haemolytic anaemia.

Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia - An Overview

Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia - An Overview

Retrospective analysis of immunosuppressive and anti-thrombotic protocols in nonassociative immune mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs.

Evidence supporting the effectiveness of therapeutic protocols for nonassociative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (na-IMHA) is weak. Investigate the efficacy of various drugs in na-IMHA. Two hundred forty-two dogs. Multi-institutional retrospective study (2015-2020). Immunosuppressive effectiveness was determined by time to packed cell volume (PCV) stabilization and duration of hospitalization through analysis by mixed model linear regression. Occurrence of disease relapse, death, and antithrombotic effectiveness, were analyzed using mixed model logistic regression. Use of corticosteroids vs a multi-agent protocol had no effect on time to PCV stabilization (P=.55), duration of hospitalization (P=.13), or case fatality (P=.06). A higher rate of relapse (P=.04; odds ratio: 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-14.8) was detected in dogs receiving corticosteroids (11.3%) during follow-up (median: 28.5 days, range: 0-1631 days) compared to multiple agents (3.1%) during follow up (median: 47.0 days, range: 0-1992 days). When comparing drug protocols, there was no effect on time to PCV stabilization (P=.31), relapse (P=.44), or case fatality (P=.08). Duration of hospitalization was longer, by 1.8 days (95% CI: 0.39-3.28 days), for the corticosteroid with mycophenolate mofetil group (P=.01) compared to corticosteroids alone. Use of clopidogrel vs multiple agents had no effect on development of thromboses (P ≥ .36). Addition of a second immunosuppressive agent did not alter immediate outcome measures but might be associated with a reduction in relapse. Use of multiple antithrombotic agents did not reduce incidence of thrombosis.

A case of cold agglutinin disease in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

Cold agglutinin disease, one of the serological classifications of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, is caused by the production of autoantibodies that react with erythrocytes at low temperatures. A captive bottlenose dolphin presented with regenerative and hemolytic anemia. Anticoagulated whole blood was agglutinated at room temperature (approximately 18°C), with reversal of agglutination on warming to 37°C, indicating the presence of cold agglutinin. Based on these findings, this animal was diagnosed with cold agglutinin disease. Clindamycin, doxycycline, and prednisolone were administered orally to treat the infection and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Anemia gradually improved after initiation of pharmacotherapy, and erythrogenesis slowed as erythroblasts disappeared and reticulocyte count decreased in peripheral blood. This represents the first report of cold agglutinin disease in a cetacean.

Carboxyhemoglobin as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of hemolytic anemias in dogs.

Endogenous production of carbon monoxide during hemoglobin metabolism leads to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin concentration is abnormally high in humans with hemolytic anemia (HA). Measurement of carboxyhemoglobin concentration can discriminate HA from other forms of anemia. Twenty-seven dogs with HA (immune-mediated HA, n=22; microangiopathic HA, n=5), 27 dogs with non-HA (kidney disease, n=14; immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, [n=6]; miscellaneous, n=7) and 24 nonanemic control dogs. Prospective cohort study. Carboxyhemoglobin quantification, a CBC and biochemistry profile were performed upon admission, and survival to hospital discharge and at 30 days were the measured outcomes. Groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to examine the predictive utility of carboxyhemoglobin for the diagnosis of HA in anemic dogs. Carboxyhemoglobin (median [interquartile range]) differed between dogs with HA (7.7% [2.5%]) and non-HA (3.6% [1.05]; P < .001) and dogs with HA and nonanemic dogs (3.5% [0.65%]; P < .001). No difference was detected between nonHA and nonanemic dogs. The area under the ROC curve for carboxyhemoglobin as predictor of HA in anemic dogs was 0.997 (95% CI, 0.99-1.00). Three optimal cut-off points were identified, including 5.05%, 4.55% and 4.85%, with corresponding sensitivity/specificity of 92.6%/100%, 100%/92.6% and 96.3%/96.3%, respectively. Neither carboxyhemoglobin nor any of the CBC or chemistry analytes were associated with survival. Carboxyhemoglobin proved an excellent predictor of HA in dogs and might constitute a useful, ancillary tool for diagnosing and monitoring hemolytic anemias.

Point-of-care global coagulation assay parameters in normal dogs and dogs with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

To compare viscoelastic parameters between healthy control dogs and dogs with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (pIMHA) using a new, point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM).a DESIGN: Retrospective study from 2017 to 2021. Three regional private referral centers. Eighteen client-owned dogs with pIMHA and 33 healthy control dogs. pIMHA dogs were defined based on established criteria. None. Medical records of dogs with pIMHA and VCM performed at diagnosis from 2017 to 2021 and apparently healthy control dogs voluntarily enrolled in the blood donor program from 2017 to 2018 were reviewed. For the healthy control dogs, consent was obtained to perform VCM in addition to traditional screening. Compared to healthy control dogs, dogs with pIMHA had mean VCM parameters consistent with hypercoagulability, demonstrated by lower mean (SD) clot formation time (108 s [30] vs 233 s [55]; P<0.0001), higher mean alpha angle (62 degrees [6] vs 52 degrees [6]; P<0.0001), higher mean maximum clot formation (49 VCM units [11] vs 32 VCM units [5]; P<0.0001), higher mean amplitude at 10minutes (40 VCM units [11] vs 19 VCM units [3]; P<0.0001), and higher mean amplitude at 20minutes (47 VCM units [11] vs 25 VCM units [4]; P<0.0001). pIMHA dogs also had significantly higher median (interquartile range) lysis index at 30minutes (100% [100-100] vs 98% [90-100]; P<0.0001). When compared to 3 established normal canine reference intervals, dogs with pIMHA had a significantly higher proportion of VCM variables (48%-57%) consistent with hypercoagulability, and a significant percentage of pIMHA dogs (78%-89%) had VCM tracings consistent with hypercoagulability overall, irrespective of the interval utilized for interpretation. This study demonstrates hypercoagulability in dogs with pIMHA when compared to healthy control dogs using VCM. Prospective evaluation is warranted to further characterize these findings as well as to evaluate their clinical impact.

C-Reactive Protein as a Diagnostic Marker in Dogs: A Review

Simple SummaryC-reactive protein is a major positive acute phase protein in dogs. It is commonly used as a marker of inflammation that, although nonspecific, is highly sensitive. The high clinical value lies in its rapid response and relatively short half-life time; these qualities make the C-reactive protein a good therapeutic guide; among others, it can be used to determine when an antimicrobial therapy could be ceased. Various tests are available on the market and the measurement is becoming a part of routine biochemistry blood panels in many countries. Although it is very useful, especially in conjunction with white blood cell count or other acute phase response proteins measurements, it does not allow a complete evaluation as a single parameter.Acute phase response is a nonspecific reaction to disturbances in homeostasis during which the production of some Acute Phase Proteins (APPs) is stimulated; they are sensitive but nonspecific markers of systemic inflammatory processes. The major positive APP in dogs is the C-reactive protein (CRP). The dynamic of its concentration changes fast, rising and decreasing rapidly with the onset and removal of the inflammatory stimulus. It increases within the first 4–24 h after the stimulus and reaches up to a 50–100-fold increase of the baseline level. It has been documented that this APP’s concentration is elevated during several diseases, such as pyometra, panniculitis, acute pancreatitis, polyarthritis, sepsis, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and neoplasia in dogs. In clinical practice, canine CRP is mostly measured to detect and monitor systemic inflammatory activity and the efficacy of treatments, because it is a more sensitive marker than shifts in leukocyte counts. Blood serum CRP concentration is becoming a part of routine biochemistry panels in many countries. In this article, changes in CRP concentration and its clinical application in healthy and diseased dogs are discussed.

Effectiveness of Danazol as an adjunctive therapy in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

Effectiveness of Danazol as an adjunctive therapy in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

A case of Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in a Lion

血尿と貧血を示し，血液検査から免疫介在性溶血性貧血（Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia：IMHA）が疑われたライオン（Panthera leo）に免疫抑制療法を行ったが，奏功せず第93病日で死亡した。病理検査では，腎臓の尿細管壊死が顕著であり，溶血の影響が考えられた。ライオンにおけるIMHAの報告例はなく，今後さらに効果の高い免疫抑制療法の検討を行う上でも，貴重な症例である。

Diagnostic imaging findings in a referral population of dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia: 50 cases (2015-2018).

To describe and characterise changes documented on thoracic and abdominal imaging of dogs with confirmed immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Medical records from a referral hospital were searched from 2015 to 2018 for all dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia that underwent thoracic and abdominal imaging by radiography, ultrasound or computed tomography. Fifty dogs were included. Thoracic imaging revealed abnormalities in 10 dogs (20%) of which lymphadenopathy and cardiomegaly were documented in four dogs (8%) each, and pleural effusion and pleural thickening in one dog (2%) each. Abdominal imaging revealed abnormalities in 43 dogs (86%), in which hepatomegaly and peritoneal effusion were documented in 20 (40%) and 19 dogs (38%), gallbladder wall thickening and sludge in 16 (32%) and 14 dogs (28%) and splenic nodules and splenomegaly in 13 (26%) and seven dogs (14%), respectively. Hepatic and splenic abnormalities were further investigated via fine needle aspirates in 18 dogs and revealed extramedullary haematopoiesis in 12 hepatic (66.7%) and 14 splenic (77.8%) fine needle aspirate samples. Cholecystocentesis was performed in nine dogs with gallbladder abnormalities and revealed bactibilia in three samples (33.3%). In this population of dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, thoracic imaging abnormalities were uncommon. Hepatomegaly, peritoneal effusion and gallbladder wall thickening were the most common abdominal imaging findings with bactibilia confirmed in one third of collected bile samples. Hepatosplenomegaly and abdominal lymphadenopathy were not associated with neoplasia in any of the dogs included in this study.

Effectiveness of aspirin vs. clopidogrel in dogs with immune mediated haemolytic anaemia evaluated by serial thromboelastography and platelet mapping

Most dogs with immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) are hypercoagulable, as measured by thromboelastography (TEG). Thromboelastography-platelet mapping (TEG-PM) has been used to assess platelet function in human patients treated with aspirin or clopidogrel. The aim of this study was to compare platelet thromboxane A2-receptor inhibition (TXA2-RI) and platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-receptor inhibition (ADP-RI) as measured by TEG-PM in dogs with primary IMHA receiving aspirin or clopidogrel to determine if TEG-PM might be useful to monitor treatment. Eighteen client-owned dogs with IMHA were enroled in a prospective double blinded study. Dogs were randomised to receive aspirin or clopidogrel in addition to standard therapy. Thromboelastography was measured before, and 1 and 4 days after commencing treatment. Thromboelastography-PM was performed on days 1 and 4. Non-responders were defined as < 50 % platelet thromboxane A2-receptor inhibition (TXA2-RI) in the aspirin group and < 50 % platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-receptor inhibition (ADP-RI) in the clopidogrel group, on day 4.Mean platelet TXA2-RI and platelet ADP-RI were not significantly different between groups at any timepoint (P > 0.05). The overall mean percentage inhibition of TXA2-receptor was 25 % (aspirin 33 %, clopidogrel 15 %), and of ADP-receptor was 82 % (aspirin 83 %, clopidogrel 80 %). On day 4, 6/9 dogs (66 %) in the aspirin group and 2/8 dogs (25 %) in the clopidogrel group were non-responders (P = 0.086). Two dogs defined as responders based on TEG-PM developed thromboembolism. Overall, there was no significant difference in efficacy between aspirin and clopidogrel based on measurement of receptor inhibition using TEG-PM (P > 0.05), and routine TEG was not reliable for monitoring treatment response in dogs with IMHA. In some dogs, there was a discrepancy between TEG-PM results and clinical response. Further investigation of TEG-PM use in dogs, including its usefulness to monitor treatment response and adjust treatment in individual dogs and any effect of anaemia, is warranted.

Splenectomy in the management of primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in dogs.

BackgroundCurrent reports about the use of splenectomy for the management of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) or both in dogs are limited.ObjectivesTo retrospectively describe the use of splenectomy as part of the management for IMHA, ITP, and concurrent IMHA and severe thrombocytopenia (CIST) in dogs. It was hypothesized that splenectomy would be beneficial in allowing for reduction of dose of immunosuppressive drugs or discontinuation in 1 or more of these groups.AnimalsSeventeen client‐owned dogs (7 with IMHA, 7 with ITP, and 3 with CIST) were identified across 7 UK‐based referral hospitals from a study period of 2005 to 2016.MethodsData were collected retrospectively via questionnaires and included information about diagnosis, management and treatment response before and after splenectomy. Based on clinical outcome, treatment with splenectomy as part of the management protocol was classified as either successful or unsuccessful.ResultsSix of 7 dogs with ITP were managed successfully with splenectomy as part of their management protocol (3 complete and 3 partial responses), although 1 subsequently developed suspected IMHA. Of the 7 dogs with IMHA, splenectomy was part of a successful management protocol in 4 dogs (2 complete and 2 partial responses). In the CIST group, 1 case (1/3) responded completely to management with splenectomy as part of the management protocol.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSplenectomy was considered successful and well tolerated in most cases of isolated ITP. Whether there is a benefit of splenectomy in cases of IMHA and CIST could not be determined in the current study.

Utility and prognostic significance of leukocyte ratios in dogs withPrimary Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.

Canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a life-threatening condition that is commonly associated with neutrophilia and monocytosis. Leukocyte ratios have been found to have prognostic value in humans and animals affected by a range of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic disorders. We hypothesized that in primary IMHA, neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR), neutrophil to monocyte (NMR), band neutrophil to segmented neutrophil (BNR) and monocyte to lymphocyte (MLR) ratios would be higher in dogs that did not survive to discharge. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with IMHA at two veterinary teaching hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-three of the 72 included dogs did not survive to discharge. NLR, NMR, BNR and MLR ratios were compared between dogs that survived to discharge and dogs that died or were euthanized. None of the ratios were significantly different between survivors and non-survivors (P = 0.14-0.99). Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for prediction of non-survival ranged from 0.5 (95% confidence interval 0.38-0.62) for MLR to 0.61 (0.49-0.72) for NMR and was not significantly different from 0.5 for any ratio (P = 0.29-0.99). After exclusion of 31 dogs that received one or both immunosuppressive medications and blood transfusion before presentation, the area under the ROC curve for prediction of survival was significantly different from 0.5 for MLR (0.78, P = 0.01) and NMR (0.78, P = 0.0002). This study suggests that lower MLR and higher NMR may predict poorer prognosis in untreated dogs with IMHA.

Centrifugal therapeutic plasma exchange in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (2016-2018): 7 cases.

To describe the technique of centrifugal therapeutic plasma exchange (cTPE) in dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and summarize the outcome of the procedure. Retrospective review of cTPE performed at North Carolina State University from 2016 to 2018, through a search of the institutional database for cTPE and IMHA. University teaching hospital. Seven dogs with confirmed IMHA were presented to a university teaching hospital ICU for cTPE. Six dogs were not responsive to standard medical management with immunosuppressive agents, while 1 dog presented before immunosuppressive agents were begun. All dogs underwent multiple cTPE procedures using 1 of 2 commercially available apheresis systems. At presentation, the median HCT was 0.15 L/L (15.7%) (range, 0.10-0.19 L/L [10.3%-19%]) and the median total serum bilirubin was 32.5 mmol/L (1.9mg/dl) (range, 15.4-597 mmol/L [0.9-34.9mg/dl]). The median number of transfusions before cTPE was 1 (range, 1-4), with a median total of infused RBCs of 12.9ml/kg (range, 8.8-37ml/kg). cTPE with an exchange of ≥4 times total plasma volumes was used to decrease the level of circulating autoreactive antibodies. The median total plasma volumes exchanged was 4.5 times (range, 2.5-6.5 times) over 2-4 procedures. Anticoagulation was performed using a combination of systemic heparinization and regional citrate in all dogs. Six of 7 dogs (85.7%) were discharged from the hospital and were alive 90 days after discharge. One dog (14%) did not respond to cTPE (∼6.5 times total plasma volume exchanged) and was euthanized. cTPE is a feasible and relatively safe bridging treatment option for the management of canine IMHA.