HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH ATYPICAL HEMAGGLUTININS

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Abstract
A patient developed atypical hemagglutinins in high titer associated with multiple transfusions. A severe hemolytic anemia followed, characterized by hyperbilirubinemia, reticulocytosis, nucleated red cells, and generalized intravascular thrombosis. A non-specific panhemagglutinin was observed (cold hemagglutinin) which reacted with and was absorbed by all types of human cells tested including those of the patient at low temp. A warm hemagglutinir was demonstrated which reacted at 37[degree]C with the patient''s cells and those of 63% of bloods compatible for A1, A2, O, M, N, Rh and Hr. It could be absorbed only by those cells agglutinated by it at 37[degree]C. This hemagglutinin was possibly specific for an unidentified agglutinogen, one apparently present in the patient''s own cells. It is suggested that the autohemagglutination contributed to the intravascular thromboses and that both factors may have produced erythrostasis with further increase in blood destruction.