Ulcerative colitis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and rectovaginal fistula: report of a case

A case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with ulcerative colitis and rectovaginal fistula in a 27-year-old woman is reported. It appeared during the first episode of ulcerative colitis occurring in the immediate puerperium. Laboratory studies revealed a positive direct Coombs test with polyspecific sera and monospecific for IgG. Panagglutinins and cold agglutinins with titers under 1:50 were also demonstrated. Treatment with steroid therapy was sufficient for a swift and complete recovery of the patient, the direct Coombs test becoming negative six weeks after admission.