THE PRESENT-DAY treatment of idiopathic acquired hemolytic anemia centers around the use of corticotropin (ACTH) or cortisone with or without splenectomy. Transfusions are often given, but the results frequently are not such as one hopes for, the transfused cells being rapidly hemolyzed and the patient not improved.
Recently we have had under observation a small child with acquired hemolytic anemia who seemed to be made worse by transfusions, corticotropin, and cortisone. Replacement transfusion produced a dramatic, although temporary, remission, while cortisone alone at a later date brought about a symptomatic cure.
REPORT OF CASE
E. H., a 22-month-old girl, was admitted to the Winnipeg Children's Hospital, July 8, 1953, with a history of recurrent purulent otitis media for 19 months; pallor for 12 months, unresponsiveness to iron; intermittent jaundice for 8 months, deepening with upper respiratory infections; no family history of jaundice or anemia.On admission the child was pale