When autoimmune hemolytic anemia complicates chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia often develops in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, particularly elderly women. It is heralded by a drop in the hematocrit, elevation of reticulocytes, development of jaundice, or a rise in the indirect fraction of serum bilirubin. Evidence of hemolysis supports the diagnosis, and a positive result of the Coombs test confirms it. Survival time is considerably shorter in patients who have both diseases than in those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia alone. Presenting symptoms in patients with the two diseases may include weakness, dizziness, fever, or hemorrhagic phenomena. If the anemia is severe, palpitations, otic pulsations, and cardiac decompensation are common. Physical examination may show enlargement of reticuloendothelial structures. On the other hand, some patients may be essentially asymptomatic. The hemolytic process must be treated as a separate entity, as even vigorous treatment of the leukemia often does not control it. Corticosteroid therapy is preferred, with splenectomy as a second line of defense. If the patient is not a good surgical risk, chemotherapy should be considered. Transfusions are usually incompatible but should be risked if progressive congestive failure, neurologic disturbance, angina, or signs of an impending infarct are present.