Acquired auto-immune hemolytic anemia following aortic valve replacement
Levy, A.; Salamon, F.; Pinkhas, J.
Harefuah 108(5): 237-238
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 4007680 Document Number: 252990
Chronic intravascular hemolysis is a well-known complication of valve replacement and is related to mechanical damage to red cells. A positive direct Coomb's test was reported in patients after heart valve replacement and it was suggested that an immune mechanism may be involved in some cases of hemolysis after valve replacement. Patients (2) in whom acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia appeared after aortic valve replacement were reported. Treatment with corticosteroids was followed by disappearance of the hemolytic process.