Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and giant cell hepatitis: Report of three infants

Abstract

Giant cell hepatitis associated with direct Coombs’ test-positive hemolytic anemia is a rare condition of childhood and the pathogenesis remains unclear. An autoimmune activation and loss of self-tolerance in these patients may be the underlying pathology related to the response of some of the patients to immunosuppressive treatment. Herein, we report the clinical presentation and course of three consecutive patients with this rare condition. We conclude that serum ferritin at diagnosis may be used for prediction of the outcome.

Keywords

• Giant cell hepatitis
• immune hemolytic anemia
• direct Coombs’ test
• rituximab