Immunohematological and clinical characterizations of mixed autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) may carry immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibodies that react at room temperature and are nonpathological, but few may have cold agglutinins that react at or above 30°C and are referred to as "mixed" AIHA (MAIHA). Here, we present our experience on characterizing MAIHA both clinically and serologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 134 AIHA patients, 13 diagnosed as MAIHA were subjected to detailed immunohematological characterization. Most patients were severely anemic and required urgent transfusions. Resolution of blood group discrepancy, elution, Donath-Landsteiner test, and adsorption study were performed following established protocol. "Best match" blood units were selected and transfused to patients. RESULTS: Eight of the 13 patients had severe hemolysis. The median age of patient was 37 years with a female preponderance and secondary MAIHA was observed in 8 (61.5%) patients. Blood group discrepancy was encountered in 4 (30.8%) patients. Multiple red cell bound autoantibodies and high titer serum-free IgM autoantibodies were detected in all samples. Twenty-nine units of "best match" packed red blood cells were transfused to 12 patients without any adverse reaction. Improvement in hematological and biochemical values was observed in all follow-up patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with MAIHA often present with severe hemolysis necessitating blood transfusions. While red cells are coated with multiple autoantibodies, both warm reactive IgG and cold reactive IgM autoantibodies are present in the serum. These serological complexities not only render a crossmatch incompatibility but often lead to blood group discrepancy. "Best match" blood transfusion is always lifesaving.

Successful surgical procedure in a patient of aplastic anemia with platelet refractoriness, using cross-match compatible platelets.

This case marks the beginning of issuing cross-matched platelet products in Eastern India. A known case of aplastic anemia, on regular transfusion support, now presented with obstructed ventral periumbilical hernia requiring urgent surgical intervention. Platelet count at presentation was 13,000/µL. Platelet cross-matching was done by solid phase method. Ten units of random donor platelets were crossmatched. Five units were compatible and transfused. Counts rose to 84,000/µL after 1 h. Surgery was completed successfully. Thus, 50% units were compatible. This indicates possible underlying alloimmunization. Rapid count rise enabled completion of this urgent surgery. This rapid rise of platelet count would not have been possible without cross matching. We conclude that platelet cross matching is a powerful tool for alloimmunized patients.