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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Cold Agglutinin Immunohemolytic Anemia In Old Person?

What treatment does he offer for this condition? How long to get a second opinion from Dr. Baz for a 93 yr. old female with cold agulutin immune hemalytic anemia? Does he have direct acces with a blood bank in Tampa, Florida? Thank you, Janice Kritikos
Fri, 16 Jan 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
hi
You have not provided complete clinical history.
The treatment of cold agglutinin disease depends on the gravity of the symptoms as determined by the characteristics of the antibody and the presence of associated disease.
Cold agglutinin disease may be managed successfully using protective measures (clothing) alone in most cases.
Special protective clothing is sometimes necessary in extreme cases. Therapy is directed at serious symptoms and the underlying disorder, if any is found.
The idiopathic variety of cold agglutinin disease is generally a benign disorder with prolonged survival and spontaneous exacerbations and remissions in the course of the disease.
Acute postinfectious syndromes usually resolve spontaneously.
Anemia is generally mild.
Only patients who have serious symptoms related to anemia or have a Raynaud-type syndrome that constitutes a threat to life or quality of life require active therapy.
The presence of an associated malignancy requires specific therapy.
Patients with cold agglutinin disease should include good sources of folic acid, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, in their diet.
Chemotherapeutic agents should be used under appropriate circumstances, such as for an associated malignancy.
Rituximab interfer with the production of cold agglutinin.
Plasmapheresis is valuable for emergencies and allows time for drugs to have an effect.
Periodic checkups may vary from daily to weekly or monthly and may eventually occur as infrequently as every 2-3 months.
Make reevaluations more often in colder weather than in warmer weather.
Monitor blood cell counts and observe for infection, renal function, development of lymphoma, and evidence of ischemia.
The following tests can be performed monthly until the cold agglutinin disease has resolved:
CBC
Reticulocyte count
Urinalysis
Direct antiglobulin test
Cold agglutinin titer
Avoid unnecessary transfusions, because cold agglutinin disease is usually self-limited.
RBC transfusion is indicated in severe, acute disease.
The response to transfused RBCs may be transient, but it can result in significant improvement in an acutely ill patient.
Hope this is helpful
Take care.
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What Is The Treatment For Cold Agglutinin Immunohemolytic Anemia In Old Person?

hi You have not provided complete clinical history. The treatment of cold agglutinin disease depends on the gravity of the symptoms as determined by the characteristics of the antibody and the presence of associated disease. Cold agglutinin disease may be managed successfully using protective measures (clothing) alone in most cases. Special protective clothing is sometimes necessary in extreme cases. Therapy is directed at serious symptoms and the underlying disorder, if any is found. The idiopathic variety of cold agglutinin disease is generally a benign disorder with prolonged survival and spontaneous exacerbations and remissions in the course of the disease. Acute postinfectious syndromes usually resolve spontaneously. Anemia is generally mild. Only patients who have serious symptoms related to anemia or have a Raynaud-type syndrome that constitutes a threat to life or quality of life require active therapy. The presence of an associated malignancy requires specific therapy. Patients with cold agglutinin disease should include good sources of folic acid, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, in their diet. Chemotherapeutic agents should be used under appropriate circumstances, such as for an associated malignancy. Rituximab interfer with the production of cold agglutinin. Plasmapheresis is valuable for emergencies and allows time for drugs to have an effect. Periodic checkups may vary from daily to weekly or monthly and may eventually occur as infrequently as every 2-3 months. Make reevaluations more often in colder weather than in warmer weather. Monitor blood cell counts and observe for infection, renal function, development of lymphoma, and evidence of ischemia. The following tests can be performed monthly until the cold agglutinin disease has resolved: CBC Reticulocyte count Urinalysis Direct antiglobulin test Cold agglutinin titer Avoid unnecessary transfusions, because cold agglutinin disease is usually self-limited. RBC transfusion is indicated in severe, acute disease. The response to transfused RBCs may be transient, but it can result in significant improvement in an acutely ill patient. Hope this is helpful Take care.