Fatal carboplatin-induced immune hemolytic anemia in a child with a brain tumor.

Abstract

Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) is an uncommon side effect of pharmacologic intervention. A rare mediator of DIIHA, carboplatin is an agent used to treat many pediatric cancers. We describe here, the first case of fatal carboplatin induced DIIHA in a pediatric patient and a brief review of the literature. Our patient developed acute onset of multi-organ failure with evidence of complement activation, secondary to a drug induced red cell antibody. Early recognition of the systemic insult associated with carboplatin induced hemolytic anemia may allow for future affected patients to receive plasmapheresis, a potentially effective therapy.

• Authors: Kristina M Haley, Thomas B Russell, Lynn Boshkov, Regina M Leger, George Garratty, Michael Recht, Kellie J Nazemi
• Journal: Journal of blood medicine (J Blood Med) Vol. 5 Pg. 55-8 ( 2014) ISSN: 1179-2736 [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 24868179 (Publication Type: Case Reports)