[Are intravenous immunoglobulins useful in severe episodes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia?: Comparative results in 21 episodes from a single centre]. / Inmunoglobulinas intravenosas en los episodios graves de anemia hemolítica autoinmune: resultados comparativos en 21 episodios de un único centro.

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.