Exchange transfusion for severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
A 10-year-old patient with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) presented with heart failure. Hemoglobin levels remained dangerously low despite multiple blood transfusions and corticosteroid therapy. A two-volume exchange transfusion promptly restored and maintained satisfactory hemoglobin levels. An exchange transfusion should be considered in selected patients with AIHA when severe hemolysis results in life-threatening anemia, and repeated blood transfusions are unsuccessful in maintaining safe hemoglobin levels. Such an approach may be especially applicable in children in whom plasma-pheresis may not be suitable because of technical limitations.
Children's Hospital of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit 48201.
S M
SM
Heidemann
S A
SA
Sarnaik
A P
AP
Sarnaik
D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans
D006454:Hemoglobins