Coombs-negative severe hemolysis associated with hepatitis A

Z Gastroenterol. 1997 Jul;35(7):567-9.

Abstract

Mild anemia can occasionally be observed during viral hepatitis, but severe hemolysis has previously only been reported in a few patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. We report a case of massive acute hemolysis associated with an acute hepatitis A in a 39-year-old woman in the absence of G6PD-deficiency. The patient was also suffering from mild rheumatoid arthritis. All known factors responsible for hemolysis were ruled out. Although tests for autoimmune hemolytic anemia were negative the patient made a dramatic recovery after treatment with corticosteroids, suggesting an immune mediated mechanism nonetheless.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / drug therapy
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / etiology*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / immunology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Coombs Test*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / complications*
  • Hepatitis A / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis A / immunology
  • Humans
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Autoantibodies
  • Prednisolone