Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection associated with hemolytic anemia--report of one case.

Abstract

Immune hemolytic anemia is a rare condition in childhood. Cold agglutinins have been implicated in the etiology of the hemolysis. However, cold agglutinins may occur in various infections, such as mycoplasma pneumoniae and infectious mononucleosis. In children, especially of preschool age, mycoplasma pneumoniae very commonly cause respiratory tract infection, but inducing an immune hemolytic anemia is exceptional. We present here a case of cold agglutinin-related severe hemolytic anemia (Hb = 3.8 gm/dl) secondary to mycoplasma pneumoniae infection who recovered completely after blood transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and medical treatment with erythromycin. It is suggested that even though very rare, mycoplasma pneumoniae may induce the occurrence of cold agglutinins and cause immune hemolytic anemia.

• Authors: Jinn-Li Wang, Man-Yau Ho, Ein-Yiao Shen
• Journal: Acta paediatrica Taiwanica = Taiwan er ke yi xue hui za zhi (Acta Paediatr Taiwan) 2004 Sep-Oct Vol. 45 Issue 5 Pg. 293-5 ISSN: 1608-8115 [Print] China (Republic : 1949- )
• PMID: 15868814 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Agglutinins
• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Cryoglobulins
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
• cold agglutinins
• Erythromycin

Topics

• Agglutinins (blood)
• Anemia, Hemolytic (blood, etiology)
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Cryoglobulins
• Erythromycin (therapeutic use)
• Fever (drug therapy, etiology)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (therapeutic use)
• Pneumonia, Mycoplasma (complications, diagnosis, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome