High-dose intravenous IgG therapy in a seven-week-old infant with chronic autoimmune hemolytic anemia

A 7-week-old male infant tested positive for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Serological studies revealed a positive Coombs test and a strong antibody with relative anti-E specificity. Despite corticosteroid therapy, he frequently suffered severe hemolytic crises. During the course of the disease he had pneumonia, subcutaneous abscess, and sepsis, which were thought to be caused by his immunosuppressive state. His clinical course was chronic and refractory. Recently, high-dose intravenous IgG therapy for the treatment of chronic AIHA has been reported, but it has not been successful in the management of adult AIHA. We attempted this therapy in our patient, and successful management was obtained.