Open AccessAnti B cell targeted therapy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia in an infant
Author(s) -
Darshak Makadia,
Siddaiahgari,
Latha Ms
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
indian journal of pharmacology/the indian journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.286
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1998-3751
pISSN - 0253-7613
DOI - 10.4103/0253-7613.117755
Subject(s) - autoimmune hemolytic anemia , medicine , rituximab , refractory (planetary science) , anemia , hemolytic anemia , immunology , antibody , immune system , pediatrics , physics , astrobiology
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an immune mediated destruction of erythrocytes, which has a good prognosis in children. It is known to have chronic, remitting or relapsing course, especially in infants and adolescents. Treatment of refractory or relapsing AIHA is a challenge as the other aim of the treatment is to avoid prolonged exposure to steroids or other immunosuppressants in small children. Rituximab is used in patients who are non-responsive to conventional treatment such as steroids, intravenous immunoglobulins and transfusion therapy. It has varying therapeutic success rate. We report a case of AIHA in a 4-month-old infant who had ill-sustained response to conventional therapy, but responded to rituximab.