Positive Direct Antiglobulin Test (positive + direct_antiglobulin_test)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Influence of clinical factors on the haemolysis marker haptoglobin

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 3 2006
G. F. Körmöczi
Abstract Background, Plasma haptoglobin determination is clinically used as parameter for haemolysis. To date, however, the influence of the mode of haemolysis (extravascular vs. intravascular) and of nonhaemolytic conditions on haptoglobin concentration and its reliability as a haemolysis marker remain poorly defined. Materials and methods, In a total of 479 individuals, the influence of haemolytic and nonhaemolytic conditions on plasma haptoglobin levels was investigated. Results, All studied types of haemolytic disease (n = 16) were associated with markedly decreased plasma haptoglobin levels, without significant differences between intravascular vs. predominantly extravascular haemolysis. Diminished haptoglobin values were also observed in patients with liver cirrhosis, which normalized after liver transplantation. In contrast, markedly increased haptoglobin levels were found in patients with inflammation. In patients with haemolysis and a concomitant acute-phase response, however, haemolysis-dependent haptoglobin depletion was not attenuated. Interestingly, patients with a strongly positive direct antiglobulin test or high cold agglutinin titre but no further evidence for haemolysis had normal haptoglobin values. Likewise, anaemia owing to bone marrow failure, acute gastrointestinal or chronic diffuse blood loss, and end-stage kidney disease were associated with normal haptoglobin levels. Conclusions, Plasma haptoglobin depletion is a reliable marker for the instant diagnosis of accelerated red cell destruction irrespective of the site of haemolysis or the presence of inflammation. The capacity of this parameter to predict haemolysis appears to be limited in patients with liver cirrhosis and decreased haptoglobin production only. [source]


First case of immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia associated to imatinib mesylate

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2003
Marcia C. Zago Novaretti
Abstract: Imatinib mesylate is a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase activity secondary to bcr-abl, mostly indicated for the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Generally, the undesirable effects of imatinib administration observed in clinical trials were of mild-to-moderate degree, and no haemolysis has been associated with this drug. We report here a case of immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia associated to imatinib mesylate successfully treated with prednisone in a patient with CML. Laboratory investigation showed anaemia [haemoglobin (Hb) of 59 g/L], reticulocyte of 61 × 109/L and a positive direct antiglobulin test. Anti-drug in vitro studies revealed a positive result with gel microcolumn assay by an adsorption mechanism. Seventy-four days after prednisone therapy, the patient's Hb level was of 110 g/L with negative direct antiglobulin test and drug in vitro studies. This case demonstrated that patients treated with imatinib mesylate can present immune-mediated haemolysis and adequate management of this event can be done maintaining the drug and associating corticosteroids. [source]


Intravascular haemolysis in a patient on ceftriaxone with demonstration of anticeftriaxone antibodies

INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 6a 2008
D. Dinesh
Abstract Drug-induced haemolytic anaemia can be life threatening. We report a case of ceftriaxone-induced severe haemolytic anaemia in a previously healthy 68-year-old woman. The patient had a positive direct antiglobulin test (anti-C3d positive, anti-immunoglobulin G negative). Serological tests showed ceftriaxone-specific antibodies. The patient recovered after cessation of the drug. This complication may cause milder anaemia and thus be poorly recognized. [source]


Review of positive direct antiglobulin tests found on cord blood sampling

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 9-10 2005
Dorothy Dinesh
Until recently, all babies born in Wellington had umbilical cord blood sampling for direct antiglobulin test (DAT). It is considered to be an important test in identifying babies who are at risk of haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Objective: The aim of this review was to examine the utility of positive DAT results and ascertain: , How many cases required phototherapy? , Were any babies readmitted for phototherapy? , Did the positive DAT influence the detection and treatment of HDN? Methods: The clinical records of all newborn babies found to have positive DATs by Wellington Hospital Blood Bank, over a 6-month period (January 2001,June 2001) were reviewed. Blood group serological results of all babies that received phototherapy during this period were also reviewed. Results: Ninety-four babies had a positive DAT, of which 22 (23%) received phototherapy. The incidence of a positive cord blood DAT was found to be 5.5%. In total, 1724 cord blood samples were analysed by Blood Bank over the first 6 months in 2001. Overall 145 babies received phototherapy, 117 were DAT-negative and six were not tested. Six of the 22 (27%) DAT-positive babies that received phototherapy were alerted by a positive DAT, leading to measurement of serum bilirubin (SBR). Twelve of the 22 (55%) were initially alerted by clinical jaundice, leading to measurement of SBR. Two DAT-positive cases were diagnosed antenatally, both were due to anti-D. Overall 10 babies were readmitted for phototherapy, two had a positive DAT. One baby received an exchange transfusion in addition to phototherapy. Two babies that received phototherapy had SBRs in the exchange transfusion range. Eighty-six per cent of the DAT-positive cases treated with phototherapy were due to anti-A. There were four cases of DAT-negative ABO HDN. Conclusions: The positive predictive value of a positive DAT for HDN is 23%. The sensitivity was estimated to be 86%. Ten babies required readmission for phototherapy, two of these were DAT-positive. Jaundice, rather than the positive DAT, was the first alert in the majority of cases of HDN requiring phototherapy. Recommendations for testing are discussed but remain controversial in practice. Assessment for hyperbilirubinaemia in all infants early in life is fundamental. [source]