Influence of drug treatment on survival of dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 88 cases (1989-1999).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate association of various treatments for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia with survival to discharge in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective cross-sectional analysis.


METHODS
88 dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia treated between August 1989 and August 1999 were examined. Survival to discharge, PCV at referral, autoagglutination, and drug treatment and dosage were recorded.


RESULTS
Treatments included administration of prednisone, dexamethasone, azathioprine, danazol, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, bovine hemoglobin solution, and human immunoglobulin. Overall mortality rate was 50.5%. Significant associations with death were not detected for use of azathioprine, cyclosporine, danazol, or human immunoglobulin. A significant difference in mortality rate was not detected between use of multiple immunosuppressive drug treatments and use of single immunosuppressive drugs. Use of cyclophosphamide and bovine hemoglobin solution were associated with significant increases in relative risk of death


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that use of cyclophosphamide and bovine hemoglobin solution in treatment of idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia may be associated with increased risk of death.
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4474, USA.
S A
SA
Grundy
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Barton
D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D004285:Dogs; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006454:Hemoglobins; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide