Pregnancy-induced hemolytic anemia with a possible immune-related mechanism.
BACKGROUND
Pregnancy-induced hemolytic anemia is a rare maternal complication that occurs during pregnancy and resolves soon after delivery. The mechanism is unclear, and the disease is often referred to as unexplained hemolytic anemia associated with pregnancy.


METHODS
We report a case of life-threatening hemolytic anemia that occurred during pregnancy and resolved spontaneously soon after delivery. Direct and indirect Coombs test results were negative. Several possible causes were investigated, but all were ruled out. However, an increased immunoglobulin G level was observed in maternal red blood cells throughout pregnancy when the patient was severely anemic. The immunoglobulin G level decreased after delivery and was close to the control level on postpartum day 5.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations suggest that the hemolytic anemia in this patient had an immune-related etiology.
Katsuragi
Shinji
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Miyazaki Medical College, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake-Cho, Miyazaki, Japan. skatsura12@yahoo.co.jp
Sameshima
Hiroshi
H
Omine
Mitsuhiro
M
Ikenoue
Tsuyomu
T
D000328:Adult; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous
D007074:Immunoglobulin G