Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in childhood: serologic features in 100 cases.
BACKGROUND
Red blood cell (RBC) autoimmunization is a relatively uncommon cause of anemia in children and presents some differences from those of adults. Due to its frequency, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in childhood has prompted very few studies, and the literature consists mostly of sporadic case histories. The objective of this study was to stress the importance of an appropriate serologic diagnosis in suspected cases.


METHODS
This report describes the immunohematologic features of 100 patients with AIHA studied in the Immunohaematologic Unit of Blood Bank, "La Sapienza" University of Rome. The patients were diagnosed in the same department from 1983 to 2003.


RESULTS
The peak incidence of AIHA was in the first 4 years of life. No sex predominance was noted. Warm AIHA was the most common type of acquired immune hemolytic anemia; it comprised 64 of the 100 patients, whereas 26 patients showed a cold AIHA. Associated AIHA showed a slightly more frequent incidence (54/100) compared to idiopathic forms of AIHA (46/100).


CONCLUSIONS
In this study serologic records of 100 children with confirmed AIHA are reported. This series, much larger than any previously reported, is critically reviewed and analyzed to delineate the immunologic features of the disease in childhood.
Vaglio
Stefania
S
Blood Bank, "La Sapienza" University-II Faculty of Medicine, Rome, Italy. stefvaglio15@libero.it
Arista
Maria Cristina
MC
Perrone
Maria Paola
MP
Tomei
Gabriella
G
Testi
Anna Maria
AM
Coluzzi
Serelina
S
Girelli
Gabriella
G
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003298:Coombs Test; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006457:Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007518:Isoantibodies