Cold agglutinin disease
80 years old lady was admitted via emergency department with increasing shortness of breath and cold fingers. she has no past medical history. Not on any medication Evaluation in the emergency department revealed only acrocyanosis . Her saturation were unobtainable via pulse oxymetry. System examinations were unremarkable emergency blood test are as below CHAD Film HB 43 MCV 127 (Significantly raised- normal range 82-95 ) WCC 12 , Neutrophils 7, Lymphocytes 5, CRP 100. Bilirubin 45, Creatinine 100 LDH 1200 Raised (Normal range 120-450) CXR : NAD Blood film examination showed roulaux formation http://janaanhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/CHAD-Film.pptx Haematology team were contacted Direct antiglobulin test IGM +4 CD3d positive A diagnosis of Cold agglutinin disease were made CHAD Mainly idiopathic underlying LPD or rarely viral /bacterial infection usually refractory to Steroids unlike Warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia Management look for underlying cause cold avoidance trial of prednisolone 1mg/kg may need CD20 antibody Rituximab or treat in underlying LPD Full antibody test at NHS BT Virology Folic acid life long 5mg po od there are case report of success with Eculizumab and Valcade in refractory disease under clinical trial