Dose-related levodopa-induced haemolytic anaemia.
A 71-year-old white man developed direct antiglobulin positive haemolytic anaemia after 16 months of levodopa therapy for Parkinson's disease. Immunoglobulin G autoantibodies directed against Rh antigens were found in the patient's serum and on his erythrocytes. Reduction of levodopa dosage to one sixth with the aid of a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (benserazide) largely eliminated autoimmune haemolysis while maintaining adequate control of neurologic symptoms.
D000368:Aged; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001545:Benserazide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007980:Levodopa; D001545:Benserazide