Drug-Induced Hemolytic Anemia

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is anemia resulting from exposure to a medication. Hemolysis occurs by several mechanisms such as drug-induced antibodies, hapten formation, and immune complexes.

• Drug-dependent antibodies can be investigated by testing drug-treated RBCs or by testing RBCs in the presence of a solution of drug. This testing is offered at specialized hematology labs and may be useful in verifying the culprit drug.

TREATMENT

The initial treatment may be similar to treatment of warm AIHA with corticosteroids if the etiology is unclear, but if drug-induced hemolytic anemia is suspected, the most important treatment is discontinuation of the offending agent.