Skip to Main Content

Chapter 23: Cryopathic Hemolytic Anemia

INTRODUCTION

  • This type of anemia is caused by autoantibodies that bind red cells best at temperatures below 37°C, usually below 31°C.

  • It is mediated through two major types of “cold antibody”: cold agglutinins and Donath-Landsteiner antibodies.

  • Clinical features vary considerably, but in both types, the complement system plays a major role in red cell destruction.

COLD-AGGLUTININ–MEDIATED AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA

  • Cold agglutinins are immunoglobulin M (IgM) autoantibodies that agglutinate red cells, optimally between 0°C and 5°C. Complement fixation occurs at higher temperatures.

  • This hemolytic anemia is classified as either primary (chronic cold-agglutinin disease) or secondary (generally as a result of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection or Epstein-Barr virus [EBV]–related infectious mononucleosis) (Table 23–1).

  • Peak incidence for the primary (chronic) syndrome is in persons older than 50 years.

  • This disorder characteristically has monoclonal IgM cold agglutinins and may be considered a symptomatic monoclonal gammopathy.

  • Some patients develop a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (eg, Waldenström macroglobulinemia).

|Download (.pdf)|Print
TABLE 23–1 AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA: COLD ANTIBODY TYPEa

  1. Mediated by cold agglutinins

    1. Idiopathic (primary) chronic cold-agglutinin disease (usually associated with clonal B-lymphocyte disease)

    2. Secondary cold-agglutinin hemolytic anemia

      1. Postinfectious (eg, Mycoplasma pneumoniae or infectious mononucleosis)

      2. Associated with preexisting malignant B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder

  2. Mediated by cold hemolysins

    1. Idiopathic (primary) paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria—very rare

    2. Secondary

      1. Donath-Landsteiner hemolytic anemia, usually associated with an acute viral syndrome in children—relatively common

      2. Congenital or tertiary syphilis in adults—very rare

aUncommonly, cases may have mixed cold and warm autoantibodies (eg, primary or idiopathic mixed autoimmune hemolytic anemia) or secondary mixed autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with the rheumatic disorders, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus.

Pathogenesis

  • The specificity of cold agglutinins is usually against I/i antigens. I is expressed heavily in adult red cells, weakly on neonatal red cells. The reverse is true of the i antigen, which also may still be expressed on reticulocytes.

  • High proportions of IgM cold agglutinins with either anti-I or anti-i specificity have heavy-chain variable regions encoded by VH4–34, a conserved immunoglobulin variable region gene.

  • Naturally occurring cold agglutinins are present in low titer (less than 1:32) in normal persons. Transient hyperproduction of less clonally restricted antibodies occurs in the recovery phase of infections, such as EBV, Mycoplasma, or cytomegalovirus.

  • I/i antigens serve as Mycoplasma receptors, which may lead to altered antigen presentation and to subsequent autoantibody production.

  • In B-cell lymphomas, cold agglutinins may be produced by the malignant lymphocytes.

  • The highest temperature at which antibodies can cause red cell agglutination is termed the thermal amplitude. The higher the thermal amplitude, the greater is the risk of clinically significant hemolysis, depending on the ambient temperature.

  • Cold agglutinins bind to red cells in the superficial dermal vessels, where temperatures may be less than 37°C, impeding capillary flow and resulting in acrocyanosis.

  • Hemolysis is dependent on the antibody’s ability to bind complement to the red ...

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

This site uses cookies to provide, maintain and improve your experience. MH Privacy Center Close