Autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with Crohn's disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) is a known complication of ulcerative colitis.
• AHA is rarely reported in association with Crohn's disease (CD).

Observation:

• A pediatric patient with Crohn's disease was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
• The patient's Crohn's disease was characterized by perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) positivity.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of autoimmune hemolytic anemia occurring in a child with pANCA-positive Crohn's disease.
• The findings highlight a potential, albeit rare, association between these two conditions in pediatric patients.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of potential extraintestinal manifestations of pediatric Crohn's disease.
• Further research may elucidate the immunological mechanisms linking pANCA-positive CD and AHA in children.
• Clinicians should consider AHA in the differential diagnosis of anemia in pediatric CD patients, particularly those who are pANCA-positive.