[Are intravenous immunoglobulins useful in severe episodes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia?: Comparative results in 21 episodes from a single centre].

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To analyze haemolytic episodes in patients with warm antibody autoimmune haemolytic anemia (AIHA) and compare corticosteroids treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) (group A) or without IVIG (group B).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Observational study that includes 21 haemolytic episodes occurred in 17 patients (9 males and 12 females), with a median age of 59 years (26-82). In group A, 8 episodes received IGIV + corticosteroids and in group B, 12 episodes received only corticosteroids and one rituximab.

RESULTS:

Hemoglobin (Hb) value at diagnosis was 1.8 g/dl lower (95% confidence interval: 0.6 to 3.1; P = .007) in group A, with a median Hb of 6.3g/dl in this group vs 7.9 g/dl in group B. There were non-significant differences in red blood cells transfusion (50 vs 23%; P > .20) and global increase of Hb values (7.3 vs 5.6; P > .20). Overall hematological responses were similar: 88 vs 92% (P > .20).

CONCLUSIONS:

Hematological response achieved in more severe episodes with the use of IVIG was similar to non-severe episodes treated without IVIG.

• Authors: Juan José Gil-Fernández, Elena Flores Ballester, María González Martínez, Juan Arévalo-Serrano, Ana Teresa Tamayo Martín, Carmen Burgaleta Alonso de Ozalla
• Journal: Medicina clinica (Med Clin (Barc)) Vol. 141 Issue 5 Pg. 201-4 (Sep 07 2013) ISSN: 1578-8989 [Electronic] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Inmunoglobulinas intravenosas en los episodios graves de anemia hemolítica autoinmune: resultados comparativos en 21 episodios de un único centro.
• PMID: 22857805 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article, Observational Study)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
• Hemoglobins
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
• Rituximab

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune (blood, drug therapy, therapy)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Blood Cell Count
• Blood Transfusion
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Hemoglobins (analysis)
• Hemolysis
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Rituximab
• Treatment Outcome