Mixed autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in a COVID-19 patient

Malays J Pathol. 2023 Apr;45(1):135-138.

Abstract

Introduction: Mixed warm and cold autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) secondary to COVID-19 is rarely reported.

Case report: We present a case of a 65-year-old Malay lady with no known medical illness, who was admitted for COVID-19 category 3 and mixed warm and cold AIHA. She presented with lethargy, productive cough and on and off fever. Blood investigations showed severe anaemia with spurious macrocytosis, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin with indirect bilirubin predominance. On full blood picture (FBP), there was normocytic normochromic anaemia with reticulocytosis, red blood cells clumping and NRBC's were seen. Both anti-IgG and anti-C3d were positive for monospecific Coombs test. For indirect Coombs test, auto-IgG and cold agglutinin were detected.

Discussion: These findings were consistent with mixed warm and cold AIHA. She was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, before being changed to high dose oral prednisolone. A total of 3 units packed cells were transfused.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune* / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune* / drug therapy
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Prednisolone