Korean J Blood Transfus.  2018 Apr;29(1):18-32. 10.17945/kjbt.2018.29.1.18.

Laboratory Workup of Drug-Induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia

• Nah H
• Kim HO

• KMID: 2435706
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17945/kjbt.2018.29.1.18

Abstract

Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) is rare condition that is often very difficult to diagnose. For proper diagnosis of DIIHA, careful interpretation of laboratory findings as well as correlation between those findings with the patient's history is important. Therefore, the role of the laboratory physician is critical. DIIHA can be diagnosed using a stepwise approach, from suspicion of hemolytic anemia in the patient to confirmation of serologic tests. Prompt diagnosis is necessary since an essential part of DIIHA treatment is to cease drug administration, and many cases of hemolysis can be improved without further intervention. Furthermore, distinction between the mechanisms of DIIHA is important, as clinical manifestation, treatment options, and prognosis of the disease can differ according to the main mechanism involved in the process of hemolysis.

Keyword

Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia; Role of laboratory physician; Stepwise approach; Prompt diagnosis; Mechanisms of DIIHA

MeSH Terms

Anemia, Hemolytic*
Diagnosis
Hemolysis
Humans
Prognosis
Serologic Tests