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Pirenne F. Alloimmunization and hyperhemolysis in sickle cell disease. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program 2023; 2023:653-659. [PMID: 38066873 PMCID: PMC10727070 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2023000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Alloimmunization against red blood cell antigens and delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) are major barriers to transfusion in sickle cell disease (SCD). In SCD, DHTR is a potentially life-threatening. Blood group polymorphism in SCD patients, who are of African ancestry and frequently exposed to antigens they do not carry; an inflammatory clinical state; and occasional transfusion in acute situations are risk factors for alloimmunization and DHTR. In patients at risk, the transfusion indication must be balanced against the risk of developing DHTR. However, when transfusion is absolutely necessary, protocols combining the prevention of exposure to immunogenic antigens with immunosuppressive treatments must be implemented, and patients should be carefully monitored during posttransfusion follow-up. This close monitoring makes it possible to diagnose hyperhemolysis as soon as possible; to avoid retransfusion, which can exacerbate hemolysis; and to administer specific treatments, such as anticomplement therapy, in severe cases. Finally, in patients with severe disease, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be indicated. However, transfusion is also required in this context, and its management is complex because these risks must be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- France Pirenne
- Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Créteil, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Saint Denis, France
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Turudic D, Dejanovic Bekic S, Mucavac L, Pavlovic M, Milosevic D, Bilic E. Case report: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by warm and cold autoantibodies with complement activation-etiological and therapeutic issues. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1217536. [PMID: 37794962 PMCID: PMC10546200 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1217536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Research on mixed warm and cold autoantibodies in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) targeting erythrocytes [red blood cells (RBCs)] and platelets is scarcely reported. Case presentation In this study, we present the case of a 5-year-old boy with positive direct [anti-IgG (1+), anti-IgG-C3d (3+)], and indirect antiglobulin (Coombs) tests. The RBCs were coated with polyspecific-positive, warm IgG autoantibodies alongside activated complement components. Plasma-containing immunoglobulin M (IgM) class autoantibodies were found in 1:64 titers with a wide temperature range of 4°C-37°C. The platelets were also coated with IgM autoantibodies. There was a reduction in the levels of the classical and alternative complement pathways, such as C3, C4, ADAMTS13 metalloprotease activity, factor H antigen, complement factor B antigen, and C1q antigen alongside the elevated sC5b-9 terminal complement complex. Hematuria and/or proteinuria, reduced diuresis, and elevated levels of serum creatinine were absent. The kidney ultrasound report was normal. A recent combination of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was found. The first-line treatment consisted of intravenous methylprednisolone [4 mg/kg/body weight for the first 72 h (q12 h), followed by 2 mg/kg body weight for 21 consecutive days with a slow steroid reduction until plasmapheresis (PLEX)]. After the patient showed limited response to corticosteroid therapy, rituximab (375 mg/m2) was administered once a week (five doses in total), with vitamins B9 and B12. These strategies also showed limited (partial) therapeutic benefits. Therefore, the treatment was switched to PLEX (five cycles in total) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (1 g/kg/5 days). This combination significantly improved RBC count and platelet levels, and C3 and C4 levels returned to normal. A follow-up of 2.5 years after treatment showed no sign of relapse. A genetic analysis revealed a rare heterozygous intronic variation (c.600-14C > T) and heterozygous Y402H polymorphism of the CFH gene. c.600-14C > T mutation was located near the 5' end of exon 6 in the gene encoding the complement C3 protein of unknown significance. We presumed that the complement regulators in our patient were sufficient to control complement activation and that complement blockade should be reserved only for devastating, life-threatening complement-related multiorgan failure. Conclusion We believe that EBV and CMV triggered AIHA, thus activating the complement cascade. Hence, we used corticosteroids, rituximab, vitamins B9 + B12, PLEX, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as treatment. Final remission was achieved with PLEX and FFP. However, an additional late effect of B12 rituximab and the disappearance of long-lived circulating plasma cells should not be completely ignored. Complement activation with a genetic background should be assessed in severe warm and cold hemolytic anemias caused by autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Turudic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sara Dejanovic Bekic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Mucavac
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Pavlovic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Danko Milosevic
- Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pediatrics, Zabok General Hospital and the Croatian Veterans Hospital, Zabok, Bračak, Croatia
| | - Ernest Bilic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Cvetković Z, Pantić N, Cvetković M, Virijević M, Sabljić N, Marinković G, Milosavljević V, Pravdić Z, Suvajdžić-Vuković N, Mitrović M. The Role of the Spleen and the Place of Splenectomy in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia-A Review of Current Knowledge. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2891. [PMID: 37761258 PMCID: PMC10527817 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare, very heterogeneous, and sometimes life-threatening acquired hematologic disease characterized by increased red blood cell (RBC) destruction by autoantibodies (autoAbs), either with or without complement involvement. Recent studies have shown that the involvement of T- and B-cell dysregulation and an imbalance of T-helper 2 (Th2) and Th17 phenotypes play major roles in the pathogenesis of AIHA. AIHA can be primary (idiopathic) but is more often secondary, triggered by infections or drug use or as a part of other diseases. As the location of origin of autoAbs and the location of autoAb-mediated RBC clearance, as well as the location of extramedullary hematopoiesis, the spleen is crucially involved in all the steps of AIHA pathobiology. Splenectomy, which was the established second-line therapeutic option in corticosteroid-resistant AIHA patients for decades, has become less common due to increasing knowledge of immunopathogenesis and the introduction of targeted therapy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding the place of the spleen in the immunological background of AIHA and the rapidly growing spectrum of novel therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the still-existing expediency of laparoscopic splenectomy with appropriate perioperative thromboprophylaxis and the prevention of infection as a safe and reliable therapeutic option in the context of the limited availability of rituximab and other novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorica Cvetković
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Medical Center Zemun, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
- Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola Pantić
- Clinic for Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Cvetković
- Clinic for Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Virijević
- Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikica Sabljić
- Clinic for Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gligorije Marinković
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Medical Center Zemun, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Milosavljević
- Department for HPB Surgery, University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11070 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zlatko Pravdić
- Clinic for Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nada Suvajdžić-Vuković
- Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Mitrović
- Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Hematology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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