Finding the elusive and causative autoantibody: An atypical case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
An isolated IgA-mediated autoimmune hemolytic anemia can present a diagnostic challenge. When a routine direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is negative but clinical suspicion remains high, further testing with monospecific antisera should be performed. As with IgG-mediated WAIHA, steroids are first-line treatment, though splenectomy is often required to achieve a durable treatment response.
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program, University of Michigan Health System 3116 Taubman Center, SPC 5368, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48198.
Stephanie
S
Fetzko
Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan Health System Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Asra
A
Ahmed
Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Health System Ann Arbor, Michigan ; Blood Bank and Transfusion Services, University of Michigan Health Systems Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Laura
L
Cooling
Anemia; autoimmune hemolytic anemia; blood bank; erythrocyte; hemolytic anemia