Methyldopa-induced autoimmune haemolytic anaemia revisited.
Drug-induced haemolytic anaemia is a commonly encountered clinical situation. Methyldopa-induced haemolytic anaemia, once the most common cause of drug induced haemolysis, is now rarely seen due to decline in its use. We report a case of methyldopa induced immune haemolytic anaemia in a young woman where the diagnosis was initially missed. The major mechanisms of drug induced immune haemolysis and unique characteristics of methyldopa induced haemolysis are also outlined.
Thomas
Anish
A
Department of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY-13202, USA. thomasan@upstate.edu
James
Bridget R
BR
Graziano
Stephen L
SL
D000328:Adult; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001323:Autoantibodies; D008750:Methyldopa