Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in the Pediatric Age Group: The Egyptian Experience

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a common disease entity among adults; however, it is rare among the pediatric age group. Evidence is scarce regarding pediatric AIHA in the literature. The objective of this study is to assess the frequency of AIHA and describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and treatment outcomes of a cohort of children with AIHA in Egypt. A retrospective study was conducted on 50 children with AIHA who were registered and followed up at the New Children's Hospital in Cairo, Egypt, between January 2010 and January 2021. The study group comprised 60% females and 40% males. Their median age was 8.25 years. All patients showed low hemoglobin levels with a mean of 5.40 +/- 1.34 g/dl and a median reticulocyte count of 10 (IQR: 8-15). Twelve (24%) patients were diagnosed with Evans syndrome, and a positive Coombs test was detected in 46 patients (92%). The frequency of primary AIHA was 40%, whereas it was 60% for secondary AIHA. The first line of therapy for acute attacks was high-dose IV steroids which responded well in 38 (76%) patients. Secondary AIHA was more common among our children (60%). AIHA is more prevalent in females (60%). The clinical and laboratory characteristics matched previous reports.

Automated summary

This study retrospectively assessed the frequency, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and treatment outcomes of pediatric AIHA in Egypt. It found that AIHA is rare among children, more prevalent in females, and most patients responded well to high-dose IV steroids.