Alpha-methyldopa-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia in the third trimester of pregnancy

Charalampos Grigoriadis1, Aliki Tympa, Angelos Liapis

  • 12nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Athens, Aretaieion University Hospital, Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece.

Alpha-methyldopa has been demonstrated to be safe for use during pregnancy and is now used to treat gestational hypertension. In pregnancy, alpha-methyldopa-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia does not have typical features and the severity of symptoms ranges from mild fatigue to dyspnea, respiratory failure, and death if left untreated. A case of alpha-methyldopa-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a 36-year-old gravida 2, para 1 woman at 37(+6) weeks of gestation is reported herein along with the differential diagnostic procedure and the potential risks to the mother and the fetus.

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