Work

A Complex Case of Anti-e Mimicking Autoantibody Development Leading to Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Newly diagnosed autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) develops in 1-3 individuals per 100,000 people per year. Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) is the most common type of AIHA, accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. This report outlines a complex presentation of DAT-negative, anti-e-mimicking autoantibody mediated WAIHA following a transient viral infection in an adult male patient with no prior transfusions. CASE PRESENTATION: The 55-year-old male patient presented with several weeks of flu-like symptoms followed by jaundice, dyspnea, and progressive fatigue. Initial laboratory workup revealed hemolytic anemia, and subsequent serologic testing identified a warm autoantibody with anti-C specificity, but was ultimately consistent with an anti-e mediated WAIHA. CONCLUSION: This report highlights a complex case of a patient with an autoantibody mimicking anti-e associated WAIHA and the challenge of identifying suitable transfusion options.

Source: Acta Haematologica

DOI: 10.1159/000550486

Authors: Ilsa Hale, Kristina L. Kunes, Jean Sabile, Jacob Dougherty, Trisha Wong, Michael Heinrich

Institutions: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland VA Medical Center, VA Portland Health Care System

Language: English

Topic: Blood groups and transfusion

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, GIST Cancer Research Fund, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute