Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: a rare case report in a post-COVID patient

Authors

  • Chetana M. Iyli ESIC Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4259-3214
  • Rakesh A. Navale Department of Pediatrics, ESIC Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20222779

Keywords:

AIHA, SARS-CoV-2 infection, Hemolysis, Inflammatory state

Abstract

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a rare disease in pediatrics, affecting one’s own immune system, is one of the causes for the acquired hemolytic anemia. For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic had emerged, evolved and manifested with a wide range of symptoms causing threat to human race.  In recent times, there have been literatures focused on AIHA manifesting, with novel SARS-CoV-2 infection, or as its late sequelae (secondary). The pathophysiology causing hemolysis in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains vague making it a very rare association with COVID-19. The acute symptoms of jaundice, giddiness, shortness of breath are noted, with investigations depicting hyper-inflammatory state as a most common etio-pathogenesis. This acute presentation, at times could be fatal and make the patient refractory to steroids.  There are complications due to COVID-19 infection like pneumonia, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome etc.,known until lately where AIHA secondary to COVID-19, a very rare phenomenon is taking the spot light. A few cases of AIHA manifestation with ongoing SARS-CoV-2 have been reported and few cases which presented as a secondary infection. Here we are presenting an extremely rare case of a 16-year-old girl, with late onset anemia, post COVID-19 infection 4 weeks back.

Author Biographies

Chetana M. Iyli, ESIC Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India

junior resident, ESIC Peenya,bangalore,karnataka,india

Rakesh A. Navale, Department of Pediatrics, ESIC Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India

Assistant professor Department of Pediatrics

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Published

2022-10-27

Issue

Section

Case Reports