The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2003 , Vol 45 , Num 4
Successful management of severe chronic autoimmune hemolytic anemia with low dose cyclosporine and prednisone in an infant
Department of Pediatric Hematology, Dr. Sami Ulus Children\'s Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is characterized by shortened red cell survival due to the presence of autoantibodies directed against antigens on the red blood cell membrane. Corticosteroids and rarely intravenous immunoglobulin G are used in the treatment of AIHA.
We report a six-month-old boy with severe AIHA who initially responded to high dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) and intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) therapies but eventually became refractory. He was then treated with low dose cyclosporine and prednisone successfully. In conclusion low dose cyclosporine and prednisone should be kept in mind in severe IHA.