[Analysis of results in studies on anti-erythrocyte auto-sensitization in 2400 patients]

The authors report their experience since 1970 in the laboratory investigation of anti-erythrocyte auto-immunization. 2400 tests were performed, and the positive results were divided into 2 groups: --341 patients with a positive direct antiglobulin test; --502 patients without positive direct antiglobulin test, but with various abnormalities: positive elution, increased titer of cold agglutinin, auto-agglutinability of protease treated red cells... The immunohaematological and etiological data are described for each group. It appears: --that there is no significant difference in etiological data between the two groups; --that the direct antiglobulin test is not sufficient in investigation of anti-erythrocyte auto-immunization, but some other immunohaematologic tests are indispensable.