title: Hemolytic anemia following intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in patients treated for Kawasaki disease: a report of 4 cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hemolytic anemia is a rare but reported side effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. The risk of significant hemolysis appears greater in those patients who receive high dose IVIG. The etiology is multifactorial but may relate to the quantity of blood group antibodies administered via the IVIG product.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We describe 4 patients with significant hemolytic anemia following treatment with IVIG for Kawasaki disease (KD). Direct antibody mediated attack as one of the mechanisms for hemolysis, in this population, is supported by the demonstration of specific blood group antibodies in addition to a positive direct antiglobulin test in our patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians should be aware of this complication and hemoglobin should be closely monitored following high dose IVIG therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, 2300 Tupper Street, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1P3, Canada. rosie.scuccimarri@muhc.mcgill.ca.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Berard
authors.forename: Blair
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Whittemore
authors.forename: Rosie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scuccimarri