Heparin Therapy in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

1. Although a few previous reports suggest a beneficial effect of heparin in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, there has been no general recognition of this form of treatment. Therefore, its striking benefit in a patient with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia refractory to usual therapeutic measures has been reported.

2. The mechanism of action of heparin in autoimmune hemolytic anemia remains unknown; it does not appear to be due to any anticomplementary activity.

3. Heparin should be tried more widely in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, particularly in situations in which response to corticosteroids and splenectomy has been disappointing.