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Suzuki E, Kanno T, Saito Y, Shimbo T. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome Accompanied by Mixed-Type Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Case Rep Rheumatol 2023; 2023:4963196. [PMID: 37766758 PMCID: PMC10522428 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4963196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that leads to a wide spectrum of clinical and immunological abnormalities. Hematologic abnormalities are an important manifestation of SLE. The incidence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been reported in approximately 10% of patients with SLE. Among them, mixed-type AIHA, which is caused by warm autoantibodies and cold hemagglutinin, is relatively rarely reported. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman, who was admitted to our hospital due to shortness of breath, jaundice, and severe anemia, with SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) complicated by mixed-type AIHA. Laboratory data revealed severe hemolytic anemia (low hemoglobin, high indirect bilirubin, and high lactate dehydrogenase levels), low complement levels, and the presence of antinuclear antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. Imaging results revealed pleural effusion and pulmonary embolisms, and echocardiogram revealed high estimated right ventricular pressure. She was diagnosed with SLE and APS complicated by mixed-type AIHA based on positive direct antiglobulin and cold agglutinin tests (thermal amplitude ≥30°C). As mixed-type AIHA is a severe and chronic condition, she was administered potent treatments with immunosuppressants. However, because she was a carrier of human T-cell leukemia virus type-1, only a moderate amount of prednisolone was administered. She refused to take warfarin. Fortunately, her symptoms and laboratory abnormalities improved after prednisolone administration, and no relapse occurred after tapering the prednisolone dose. Although mixed-type AIHA is characterized by fewer clinical symptoms than cold agglutinin disease, hemolytic anemia is more severe and chronic. Therefore, it is important to confirm the presence of cold agglutinins, which are active at ≥30°C in patients with SLE and warm AIHA. In addition, it is important to consider that AIHA is associated with thromboembolism, and patients with lupus anticoagulant or anticardiolipin antibodies having a history of AIHA are at a high risk of developing thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Suzuki
- Department of Rheumatology, Ohta-Nishinouchi Hospital, 2-5-20, Nishinouchi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8558, Japan
| | - Takashi Kanno
- Department of Rheumatology, Ohta-Nishinouchi Hospital, 2-5-20, Nishinouchi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8558, Japan
| | - Yurie Saito
- Department of Hematology, Ohta-Nishinouchi Hospital, 2-5-20, Nishinouchi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8558, Japan
| | - Takuro Shimbo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ohta-Nishinouchi Hospital, 2-5-20, Nishinouchi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8558, Japan
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Magendiran B, Jose A, Kolar Vishwanath V, Bammigatti C. Immune-mediated Coombs negative intravascular haemolysis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:e244459. [PMID: 34417246 PMCID: PMC8381295 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A 27-year-old woman presented with a history of excessive hair loss, loss of appetite, loss of weight, amenorrhoea and loss of axillary and pubic hair for 6 months followed by fever and vomiting for 5 months and abdominal pain for 1 month. During the course of her illness, the patient developed intravascular haemolysis as evidenced by a drop in haemoglobin, indirect hyperbilirubinaemia, raised lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and haemoglobinuria. Examination revealed severe pallor, mild icterus, elevated jugular venous pressure, generalised lymphadenopathy and hyperpigmentation. Investigations revealed severe anaemia, indirect hyperbilirubinaemia, raised LDH and negative Coombs test. Antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm and anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies were positive and complement C3 was low. The patient was diagnosed to have systemic lupus erythematosus and immune-mediated intravascular haemolysis and was treated with prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine. Haemolysis resolved following steroid therapy, and during follow-up, there were no further episodes of haemolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhoobalan Magendiran
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Augustine Jose
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Vinod Kolar Vishwanath
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
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Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114120. [PMID: 32527000 PMCID: PMC7313475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) has never been systematically addressed. The aim of this study is to assess the link between aPL and AIHA in adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This study performed an EMBASE/PubMed search from inception to June 2019 and meta-analysis using Peto’s odds ratios. The pooled prevalence (PP) of IgG/IgM anticardiolipin (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) was greater in AIHA +ve than AIHA −ve patients (34.7% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.03; 33.3% vs. 21.8%, p < 0.0001; 20.9% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.01). The PP of AIHA was greater in: (1) IgG and IgM aCL +ve than −ve patients (21.8% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.001 and 18.7% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.0001), (2) in SLE related APS than in primary APS patients (22.8% vs. 3.9% p < 0.0001), (3) in APS +ve than APS −ve SLE patients (23.2% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.01), and (4) in thrombotic APS than non-thrombotic APS/SLE patients (26.8% vs. 10%, p = 0.03). The PP of IgG/IgM aCL and LA was greater in DAT +ve than DAT −ve patients (42.4% vs. 12.8%, p < 0.0001; 26.2% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.03 and 29.2% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.004 respectively). It was found that AIHA prevalence is maximal in SLE with aPL/APS, low-moderate in SLE without aPL and minimal in PAPS. Moreover, AIHA is rightly included among the classification criteria for SLE but not for APS/aPL. The significance of an isolated DAT positivity remains unclear in this setting
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Artım-Esen B, Çene E, Şahinkaya Y, Erdugan M, Oğuz E, Gül A, Öcal L, İnanç M. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopaenia in a single-centre cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from Turkey: clinical associations and effect on disease damage and survival. Lupus 2019; 28:1480-1487. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203319877245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Thrombocytopaenia and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) have considerable impact on prognosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated the frequencies of these haemocytopaenias, along with their associations and effect on outcome in a single-centre cohort of patients with SLE. Methods Demographic characteristics, clinical features, autoantibody profiles, damage and mortality data were compared between patients with and without each haematological abnormality. Variables displaying significant differences between the groups were entered into logistic regression. Results Ninety-three patients had AIHA and 215 had thrombocytopaenia. Both were associated with neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement, with each other, leucopaenia, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and antiphospholipid antibodies. More patients in both groups had organ damage, and their damage scores were higher. Association to NP damage was discernible. In addition, cardiovascular and renal damage and diabetes were more pronounced in patients with thrombocytopaenia. At logistic regression analysis, younger age, anticardiolipin antibody IgM positivity, leucopaenia and thrombocytopaenia were associated with AIHA whilst lupus anticoagulant activity, AIHA, leucopaenia, APS and NP involvement were associated with thrombocytopaenia. Among damage items, peripheral vascular damage, diabetes, NP damage, renal and ocular damage displayed significant associations with thrombocytopaenia, whereas none of the items did with AIHA. Patients with AIHA had significantly reduced survival rates at 10 and 20 years. Conclusions We observed that AIHA and thrombocytopaenia were associated with severe lupus, affecting major organs and causing end organ damage. Thus, they may be considered as prognostic markers. Furthermore, AIHA and especially thrombocytopaenia may also be a marker for a subgroup of lupus patients who have or may develop APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Artım-Esen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Çene
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Y Şahinkaya
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M Erdugan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Oğuz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A Gül
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - L Öcal
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M İnanç
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Rao R, Ali Y, Nagesh CP, Nair U. Unilateral isolated superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2018; 66:155-157. [PMID: 29283149 PMCID: PMC5778557 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_791_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) thrombosis is an uncommon orbital pathology that can present with sudden onset proptosis, conjunctival injection, and visual disturbance. SOV thrombosis is frequently secondary to a cavernous sinus pathology. A 32-year-old female with a known history of autoimmune hemolytic anemia presented with sudden painful proptosis left eye, and on imaging, she was found to have SOV thrombosis without cavernous sinus involvement. She was diagnosed with unilateral isolated SOV thrombosis and was managed conservatively. A careful history and clinical evaluation can help diagnose such rare disorders and initiate appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raksha Rao
- Department of Orbit, Oculoplasty and Ocular Oncology, Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Yasmin Ali
- Department of Retina, Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Chinmay P Nagesh
- Department of Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Unnikrishnan Nair
- Department of Retina, Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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Skare T, Picelli L, dos Santos TAG, Nisihara R. Direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Clin Rheumatol 2017; 36:2141-2144. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-017-3778-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Velo-García A, Castro SG, Isenberg DA. The diagnosis and management of the haematologic manifestations of lupus. J Autoimmun 2016; 74:139-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Fayyaz A, Igoe A, Kurien BT, Danda D, James JA, Stafford HA, Scofield RH. Haematological manifestations of lupus. Lupus Sci Med 2015; 2:e000078. [PMID: 25861458 PMCID: PMC4378375 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2014-000078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our purpose was to compile information on the haematological manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), namely leucopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and myelofibrosis. During our search of the English-language MEDLINE sources, we did not place a date-of-publication constraint. Hence, we have reviewed previous as well as most recent studies with the subject heading SLE in combination with each manifestation. Neutropenia can lead to morbidity and mortality from increased susceptibility to infection. Severe neutropenia can be successfully treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. While related to disease activity, there is no specific therapy for lymphopenia. Severe lymphopenia may require the use of prophylactic therapy to prevent select opportunistic infections. Isolated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura maybe the first manifestation of SLE by months or even years. Some manifestations of lupus occur more frequently in association with low platelet count in these patients, for example, neuropsychiatric manifestation, haemolytic anaemia, the antiphospholipid syndrome and renal disease. Thrombocytopenia can be regarded as an important prognostic indicator of survival in patients with SLE. Medical, surgical and biological treatment modalities are reviewed for this manifestation. First-line therapy remains glucocorticoids. Through our review, we conclude glucocorticoids do produce a response in majority of patients initially, but sustained response to therapy is unlikely. Glucocorticoids are used as first-line therapy in patients with SLE with AIHA, but there is no conclusive evidence to guide second-line therapy. Rituximab is promising in refractory and non-responding AIHA. TTP is not recognised as a criteria for classification of SLE, but there is a considerable overlap between the presenting features of TTP and SLE, and a few patients with SLE have concurrent TTP. Myelofibrosis is an uncommon yet well-documented manifestation of SLE. We have compiled the cases that were reported in MEDLINE sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anum Fayyaz
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program , Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Department of Medicine , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Medical Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA
| | - Ann Igoe
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program , Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Department of Medicine , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics , Metro Health System , Cleveland, Ohio , USA
| | - Biji T Kurien
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program , Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Department of Medicine , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Medical Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA
| | - Debashish Danda
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program , Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Department of Rheumatology , Christian Medical Center , Vellore , India
| | - Judith A James
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program , Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Department of Medicine , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Medical Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA
| | - Haraldine A Stafford
- Depertment of Medicine , Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa , USA
| | - R Hal Scofield
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program , Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Department of Medicine , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA ; Medical Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , USA
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Skare T, Damin R, Hofius R. Prevalence of the American College of Rheumatology hematological classification criteria and associations with serological and clinical variables in 460 systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Rev Bras Hematol Hemoter 2015; 37:115-9. [PMID: 25818822 PMCID: PMC4382578 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjhh.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study systemic lupus erythematosus in a Brazilian population using the American College of Rheumatology hematological classification criteria and report associations of the disease with serological and clinical profiles. METHODS This is a retrospective study of 460 systemic lupus erythematosus patients followed in a single rheumatologic center during the last 10 years. Hematological manifestations considered for this study were hemolysis, leukopenia, lymphocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. RESULTS The cumulative prevalences of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia and hemolytic anemia were 29.8%, 21.08%, 17.7% and 8.4%, respectively. A higher percentage of patients with hemolysis had anticardiolipin IgM (p-value=0.002). Those with leukopenia had more lymphopenia (p-value=0.02), psychosis (p-value=0.01), thrombocytopenia (p-value <0.0001) and anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (p-value=0.03). Patients with lymphopenia had more leukopenia (OR=1.8; 95% CI=1.01-3.29) and lupus anticoagulant antibodies (OR=2.2; 95% CI=1.16-4.39) and those with thrombocytopenia had more leukopenia (OR=3.1; 95% CI=1.82-5.44) and antiphospholipid syndrome (OR=3.1; 95% CI=1.28-7.87). CONCLUSION The most common hematological finding was leukopenia and the least common was hemolysis. Associations of low platelet count and hemolysis were found with antiphospholipid syndrome and anticardiolipin IgM positivity, respectively. Leukopenia and lymphocytopenia are correlated and leukopenia is more common in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with psychosis, thrombocytopenia and anti-double stranded DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma Skare
- Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba (HUEC), Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Renata Damin
- Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba (HUEC), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Renata Hofius
- Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba (HUEC), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Splenic infarction, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia and antiphospholipid antibodies associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Int J Hematol 2012; 96:141. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-012-1108-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Domiciano DS, Shinjo SK. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in systemic lupus erythematosus: association with thrombocytopenia. Clin Rheumatol 2010; 29:1427-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-010-1479-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Revised: 01/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rückert A, Glimm H, Lübbert M, Grüllich C. Successful treatment of life-threatening Evans syndrome due to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome by rituximab-based regimen: a case with long-term follow-up. Lupus 2008; 17:757-60. [PMID: 18625656 DOI: 10.1177/0961203307087876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An association of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with antibodies directed against either phospholipids or plasma proteins strongly suggest that B-cell dysfunction may be involved in its pathogenesis. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with autoimmune cytopenias shows a poor response rate to conventional treatment with anticoagulants, glucocorticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. We report a case of life-threatening antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with Evans syndrome receiving successful multimodal treatment including anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab with long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rückert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haematology and Oncology, Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany
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Staropoli JF, Van Cott EM, Makar RS. Membrane autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, antiphospholipid antibodies, and transient acquired activated protein C resistance. Transfusion 2008; 48:2435-41. [PMID: 18673345 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2008.01877.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia and antiphospholipid antibodies (which include lupus anticoagulants and anticardiolipin [ACL] antibodies) are associated, respectively, with approximately 10 and 40 percent of cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study reports a case of SLE presenting with an unusual constellation of findings that included an immunoglobulin M (IgM) cold autoantibody of high thermal amplitude, high-titer ACL antibodies, and transient acquired activated protein C resistance. CASE REPORT A previously untransfused, nulligravid 17-year-old woman without a significant medical history presented with signs and symptoms of SLE and an extravascular hemolytic anemia. Spontaneous agglutination was noted in blood samples collected for testing. Serologic testing revealed a normal-titer, high-thermal-amplitude IgM red blood cell (RBC) autoantibody but no additional RBC antibodies in the patient's plasma. Additional testing was significant for a high-titer ACL IgM and a positive test for activated protein C resistance (a screening test for the Factor [F]V Leiden mutation), which prompted initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation. Confirmatory DNA testing for FV Leiden, however, was negative. The patient's symptoms, anemia, RBC autoagglutinins, ACL antibodies, and activated protein C resistance all resolved after 6 weeks of immunosuppression. CONCLUSION This case illustrates the wide range of clinical and laboratory findings that autoantibodies against cellular membranes may produce. IgM autoagglutinins of high thermal amplitude associated with a significant extravascular hemolytic anemia may be a presenting feature of SLE. Concomitant antiphospholipid antibodies may interfere with partial thromboplastin time-based tests of hypercoagulability such as that for activated protein C resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Staropoli
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Valent P, Lechner K. Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune haemolytic anaemias in adults: a clinical review. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2008; 120:136-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00508-008-0945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Accepted: 02/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is diagnosed in the presence of anemia, usually macrocytic and of variable intensity, reticulocytosis, and a positive direct and/or indirect antiglobulin test, after ruling out other types of hemolytic anemia. A positive direct antiglobulin test alone is not sufficient to diagnose AIHA and may be positive in many patients without anemia or negative in some patients with AIHA. AIHA may be classified into two major categories according to the optimal temperature of antibody activity: warm-reacting autoantibodies (usually IgG) optimal around 37 degrees C and cold-reacting autoantibodies, optimal at 4 degrees C (usually IgM). This classification guides the selection of tests and treatment. AIHA is widely reported to be associated with a variety of other diseases, although these associations are often fortuitous. A minimal set of useful investigations is appropriate since AIHA may be secondary to viral infections, lymphoid malignancies, or autoimmune disorders such as lupus. Transfusion should remain rare in AHAI, but close contact with the transfusion service is necessary if it is to succeed. As for many autoimmune and/or systemic diseases, numerous types of treatment have been proposed but have not been validated in controlled multicenter studies. These are necessary to improve the management of these rare disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use
- Adult
- Algorithms
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/diagnosis
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/drug therapy
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/etiology
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/immunology
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/therapy
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Autoantibodies/blood
- Blood Transfusion
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Coombs Test
- Danazol/therapeutic use
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Forecasting
- Hemagglutination Tests
- Humans
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use
- Immunologic Factors/administration & dosage
- Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use
- Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage
- Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Plasma Exchange
- Rituximab
- Splenectomy
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Philippe
- Service de médecine interne, Hôtel-Dieu, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Gomard-Mennesson E, Ruivard M, Koenig M, Woods A, Magy N, Ninet J, Rousset H, Salles G, Broussolle C, Sève P. Treatment of isolated severe immune hemolytic anaemia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: 26 cases. Lupus 2006; 15:223-31. [PMID: 16686262 DOI: 10.1191/0961203306lu2292oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to treatment and the long-term outcome in a cohort of patients in whom severe autoimmune hemolytic anaemia (AHA) was the leading manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Twenty-six women with severe isolated AHA were included. Corticosteroids were used as the initial treatment for all patients in our study. An initial response was obtained in all but one patient (96%). The overall recurrence rate was three per 100 person-years, with an expected recurrence-free proportion of 73% with a 180 months median follow-up. Seven patients (27%) experienced a relapse of AHA. We found a higher proportion of pleuritis in relapsing patients. Only three patients experienced multiple relapses despite splenectomy and several immunosuppressants. Steroid-sparing effect of hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine could not be assessed because most of the patients received these treatments for other reasons than AHA. Intravenous immunoglobulins induced transient response in three cases. Splenectomy was efficient to definitively control AHA in one patient but two patients quickly experienced relapses while one patient did not benefit. Five patients received immunosuppressants that induced only transient responses. Rituximab was long-term efficient in one case. In conclusion, severe AHA is a serious complication of SLE that warrants appropriate management. On the basis of our experience, the ideal treatment of isolated AHA should be oral corticosteroids in first-line treatment. Our study does not support an important role for splenectomy. Patients refractory to conventional therapy should be treated either with few toxic immunosuppressive drugs, danazol or rituximab.
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Giannouli S, Voulgarelis M, Ziakas PD, Tzioufas AG. Anaemia in systemic lupus erythematosus: from pathophysiology to clinical assessment. Ann Rheum Dis 2005; 65:144-8. [PMID: 16079164 PMCID: PMC1798007 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2005.041673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Haematological abnormalities are common in systemic lupus erythematosus. Anaemia is found in about 50% of patients, with anaemia of chronic disease being the most common form. Impaired erythropoietin response and presence of antibodies against erythropoietin may contribute to the pathogenesis of this type of anaemia. Patients with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia usually belong to a distinct category, which is associated with anticardiolipin antibodies, thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and renal disease, often in the context of secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. Autoantibodies, T lymphocytes, and deregulation of the cytokine network can affect bone marrow erythropoiesis, leading to anaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giannouli
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National University of Athens, M. Asias 75, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Galindo M, Khamashta MA, Hughes GR. Splenectomy for refractory thrombocytopenia in the antiphospholipid syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 1999; 38:848-53. [PMID: 10515646 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/38.9.848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thrombocytopenia, usually mild, is one of the clinical criteria of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Rarely, this disorder requires treatment and, due to the shared characteristics with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), similar rules are followed. We report our experience in patients who required splenectomy after being refractory to steroids and immunosuppressive therapy. METHODS Fifty-five APS patients with a platelet count of < 100 x 10(9)/l at least twice were analysed retrospectively. Therapeutic response or remission was considered when the platelet count was > 100 x 10(9)/l after 1 month and with no relapse on stopping or tapering the steroid dose. No response or refractory disease was defined as an absence of increase in platelet count, a total count that never exceeded 50 x 10(9)/l during treatment or when the dose requirements were such that the patient developed serious side-effects. RESULTS Fifty patients were classified as having secondary APS associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and five were identified as primary APS (PAPS). Splenectomy was performed in 11 cases (20%), two PAPS and nine SLE-APS, with an average time of 28 +/- 9 months after the development of thrombocytopenia. Eight patients were initially characterized as ITP (six SLE-APS, two PAPS) with an average time of 4.4 +/- 1.1 yr until the APS diagnosis. All but two were responsive to splenectomy. CONCLUSION Splenectomy was required in 11 (20%) of the patients with APS-associated thrombocytopenia. There was a high rate of good and long-term response.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Galindo
- Lupus Research Unit, The Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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