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Versino F, Revelli N, Villa S, Pettine L, Zaninoni A, Prati D, Passamonti F, Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. Transfusions in autoimmune hemolytic anemias: Frequency and clinical significance of alloimmunization. J Intern Med 2024; 295:369-374. [PMID: 38013593 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) may be associated with transfusion reactions and risk of alloimmunization. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the transfusion policy and rate of alloimmunization and its clinical significance in AIHA. METHODS Data from 305 AIHA patients followed at a reference hematologic Center in Milan, Italy from 1997 to 2022 were retrospectively/prospectively collected (NCT05931718). RESULTS Overall, 33% patients required transfusions with a response rate of 83% and eight transfusion reactions (7%), none hemolytic. Alloantibodies were detected in 19% of patients, being associated with higher transfusion burden (p = 0.01), lower Hb increase post-transfusion (p = 0.05), and transfusion reactions (p = 0.04). Along decades, the rate of RBC transfusions decreased from 53% to 20% and that of alloimmunization dropped from 30% to 6% likely due to the adoption of prestorage leukoreduction, the use of more restrictive Hb thresholds, and the implementation of molecular typing. CONCLUSIONS Severe symptomatic AIHA may be safely transfused provided appropriate matching of patients and donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Versino
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Revelli
- Immune-Hematology Service, Tranfusion Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Villa
- Immune-Hematology Service, Tranfusion Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Loredana Pettine
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Zaninoni
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Prati
- Immune-Hematology Service, Tranfusion Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Passamonti
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Mulder FVM, Evers D, de Haas M, Cruijsen MJ, Bernelot Moens SJ, Barcellini W, Fattizzo B, Vos JMI. Severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia; epidemiology, clinical management, outcomes and knowledge gaps. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228142. [PMID: 37795092 PMCID: PMC10545865 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an acquired hemolytic disorder, mediated by auto-antibodies, and has a variable clinical course ranging from fully compensated low grade hemolysis to severe life-threatening cases. The rarity, heterogeneity and incomplete understanding of severe AIHA complicate the recognition and management of severe cases. In this review, we describe how severe AIHA can be defined and what is currently known of the severity and outcome of AIHA. There are no validated predictors for severe clinical course, but certain risk factors for poor outcomes (hospitalisation, transfusion need and mortality) can aid in recognizing severe cases. Some serological subtypes of AIHA (warm AIHA with complement positive DAT, mixed, atypical) are associated with lower hemoglobin levels, higher transfusion need and mortality. Currently, there is no evidence-based therapeutic approach for severe AIHA. We provide a general approach for the management of severe AIHA patients, incorporating monitoring, supportive measures and therapeutic options based on expert opinion. In cases where steroids fail, there is a lack of rapidly effective therapeutic options. In this era, numerous novel therapies are emerging for AIHA, including novel complement inhibitors, such as sutimlimab. Their potential in severe AIHA is discussed. Future research efforts are needed to gain a clearer picture of severe AIHA and develop prediction models for severe disease course. It is crucial to incorporate not only clinical characteristics but also biomarkers that are associated with pathophysiological differences and severity, to enhance the accuracy of prediction models and facilitate the selection of the optimal therapeutic approach. Future clinical trials should prioritize the inclusion of severe AIHA patients, particularly in the quest for rapidly acting novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke V. M. Mulder
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Translational Immunohematology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dorothea Evers
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Masja de Haas
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Translational Immunohematology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Sophie J. Bernelot Moens
- Department of Hematology and Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Department of Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Department of Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Josephine M. I. Vos
- Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology and Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Argüello Marina M, López Rubio M, Castilla García L. [Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia]. Med Clin (Barc) 2023; 160:30-38. [PMID: 36334945 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemias (AIHA) are acquired haematological disorders caused by increased peripheral erythrocyte destruction mediated by autoantibodies against erythrocyte antigens. They classified according to aetiology into primary and secondary, and according to the type of antibody and reaction temperature into AIHA due to warm antibodies (w-AIHA) and AIHA due to cold antibodies (c-AIHA). The mainstay of management in w-AIHA remains glucocorticoid therapy, and the early addition of rituximab has shown good results in recent studies. Primary c-AIHA is mainly treated with rituximab, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. New drugs such as Syk inhibitors, anti-FcRn Ig and complement inhibitors are in advanced development and will expand the therapeutic arsenal, especially in refractory or relapsed cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Argüello Marina
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
| | - Montserrat López Rubio
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
| | - Lucía Castilla García
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
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Berentsen S, Fattizzo B, Barcellini W. The choice of new treatments in autoimmune hemolytic anemia: how to pick from the basket? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1180509. [PMID: 37168855 PMCID: PMC10165002 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1180509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is defined by increased erythrocyte turnover mediated by autoimmune mechanisms. While corticosteroids remain first-line therapy in most cases of warm-antibody AIHA, cold agglutinin disease is treated by targeting the underlying clonal B-cell proliferation or the classical complement activation pathway. Several new established or investigational drugs and treatment regimens have appeared during the last 1-2 decades, resulting in an improvement of therapy options but also raising challenges on how to select the best treatment in individual patients. In severe warm-antibody AIHA, there is evidence for the upfront addition of rituximab to prednisolone in the first line. Novel agents targeting B-cells, extravascular hemolysis, or removing IgG will offer further options in the acute and relapsed/refractory settings. In cold agglutinin disease, the development of complement inhibitors and B-cell targeting agents makes it possible to individualize therapy, based on the disease profile and patient characteristics. For most AIHAs, the optimal treatment remains to be found, and there is still a need for more evidence-based therapies. Therefore, prospective clinical trials should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Berentsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway
- *Correspondence: Sigbjørn Berentsen,
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, and Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Johnson ST, Puca KE. Evaluating patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia in the transfusion service and immunohematology reference laboratory: pretransfusion testing challenges and best transfusion-management strategies. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:96-104. [PMID: 36485094 PMCID: PMC9820620 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The serologic evaluation of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) confirms the clinical diagnosis, helps distinguish the type of AIHA, and identifies whether any underlying alloantibodies are present that might complicate the selection of the safest blood for any needed transfusion. The spectrum of testing is generally dependent on the amount and class (immunoglobulin G or M) of autoantibody as well as the resources and methodologies where testing is performed. The approach may range from routine pretransfusion testing, including the direct antiglobulin test, to advanced techniques such as adsorptions, elution, and red cell genotyping. When transfusion is needed, the selection of the optimal unit of red blood cells is based on urgency and whether time allows for the completion of sophisticated serologic and molecular testing methods. From the start of when AIHA is suspected until the completion of testing, communication among the clinical team and medical laboratory scientists in the transfusion service and immunohematology reference laboratory is critical as testing can take several hours and the need for transfusion may be urgent. The frequent exchange of information including the patient's transfusion history and clinical status, the progress of testing, and any available results is invaluable for timely diagnosis, ongoing management of the patient, and the safety of transfusion if required before testing is complete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T Johnson
- Clinical Education and Diagnostic Laboratories Immunohematology Reference Laboratory, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Kathleen E Puca
- Clinical Education and Diagnostic Laboratories Immunohematology Reference Laboratory, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Sahoo D, Anuragaa S. Serological characteristics and immunohematological difficulties in autoimmune hemolytic anemia patients: A retrospective analytical study from South India. Asian J Transfus Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/ajts.ajts_163_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Abdallah GEM, Abbas WA, Elbeih EAS, Abdelmenam E, Mohammed Saleh MF. Systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A clinical setting perspective. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2021; 92:102621. [PMID: 34808491 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2021.102621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are unmet answers about the effect of the different forms of corticosteroids in the treatment of the warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA). We aimed to describe the initial response rate and the safety profile of different regimens and forms of parenteral corticosteroids versus the solo oral prednisolone as first-line strategies for newly diagnosed adult WAIHA. METHODS We recruited 156 patients who treated with either oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg daily for 3 weeks or intravenous corticosteroids like dexamethasone 40 mg daily for 4 days, Methylprednisolone 1 g/day for 3 days, or Methylprednisolone 1 g/day for 5 days then followed by oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks. Full clinical and laboratory evaluations were done every 3 days for 3 weeks. RESULTS The primary outcome was the rate of response at the end of the third-week post treatment. The rate of response was more in the group started the treatment intravenously (81.6% versus 41.7% and p = 0.0001). Multivariate cox regression analysis proved the predictivity of intravenous corticosteroid therapy for initial response. CONCLUSION The safety profile of the different forms and regimens of corticosteroids were comparable. Therefore, parenteral regimens can be used as a rescue treatment in severe cases of WAIHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada E M Abdallah
- Clinical Hematology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Wael A Abbas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University Assiut, Egypt
| | - Esam A S Elbeih
- Clinical Hematology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ehab Abdelmenam
- Clinical Hematology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mostafa F Mohammed Saleh
- Clinical Hematology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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MESH Headings
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/diagnosis
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/pathology
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/physiopathology
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/therapy
- Blood Transfusion
- Complement Inactivating Agents/therapeutic use
- Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
- Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/diagnosis
- Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/pathology
- Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/physiopathology
- Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/therapy
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use
- Rituximab/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Berentsen
- From the Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway (S.B.); and the Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (W.B.)
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- From the Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway (S.B.); and the Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (W.B.)
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Tranekær S, Hansen DL, Frederiksen H. Epidemiology of Secondary Warm Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10061244. [PMID: 33802848 PMCID: PMC8002719 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (wAIHA) is a haemolytic disorder, most commonly seen among adults and is classified as either primary or secondary to an underlying disease. We describe the age and sex distribution and the proportion of secondary wAIHA. Method: We retrieved 2635 published articles, screened abstracts and titles, and identified 27 articles eligible for full-text review. From these studies, we extracted data regarding number of patients, sex distribution, age at diagnosis, number of patients with secondary wAIHA, and whether the patients were diagnosed through local or referral centres. All data were weighted according to the number of included patients in each study. Results: 27 studies including a total of 4311 patients with wAIHA, of which 66% were females, were included. The median age at diagnosis was 68.7 years, however, wAIHA affected all ages. The mean proportion of secondary wAIHA was 49%, most frequently secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus. The proportions of secondary wAIHA reported from primary vs. referral centres were 35% vs. 59%, respectively. Conclusion: This review consolidates previously reported gender distribution. The higher proportion of secondary wAIHA in referral centres suggests that the most severely affected patients are disproportionally more frequent in such facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stinne Tranekær
- Haematological Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (S.T.); (D.L.H.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Dennis Lund Hansen
- Haematological Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (S.T.); (D.L.H.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Frederiksen
- Haematological Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (S.T.); (D.L.H.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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