Delving Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Toddler and Associated Complications: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) refers to a rapid breakdown of red blood cells, leading to a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. In pediatric patients, it is less a rare condition. A 03 year old male patient was admitted in a tertiary care hospital with complaints of fever since the last day morning, vomiting since previous day of 5 episodes, containing mostly mucus material, abdominal pain, decreased appetite for 2 days, yellowish discoloration of eyes and dark colored urine noted, and decreased urine output. History of travel to Dubai, ate cheese for the first time. The serology showed positive in Direct Coombs Test (DCT) with decrease in Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCH, MCHC with Blood Picture showed as features of Hemolytic Anemia. CRP, Bilirubin, AST, ALP, Serum LDH levels were increased. This confirmed Autoimmune Hemolyic Anemia associated with liver enzyme elevation potentially due to severe hemolysis, a rare condition with an estimated incidence of 0.2 per one million individuals younger than 20 years.  Plan of care was primarily with IV corticosteroids, blood transfusion, folate supplements. Other supportive medications were also given. The condition improved during the course of time in hospital and was discharged with oral medications.