Pediatric Cold Agglutinin Disease Medication

  • Author: James L Harper, MD; Chief Editor: Max J Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA   more...
 
Updated: Aug 3, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Certain patients may respond to prednisone.

Although rituximab has been found to be an effective treatment in autoimmune hemolytic anemia and other immune mediated cytopenias, no controlled studies specific to its use in refractory cold agglutinin disease in childhood have been reported.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

These agents elicit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, causing profound and varied metabolic effects. They modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

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Prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone)

 

Immunosuppressant for treatment of autoimmune disorders; may decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity. Stabilizes lysosomal membranes and suppresses lymphocyte and antibody production. May be beneficial in certain cases with low titer cold agglutinin of high thermal amplitude.

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Immunosuppressant Agent

Class Summary

Depletes B-lymphocytes and, thereby, interferes with the production of cold agglutinin.

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Rituximab (Rituxan)

 

Mouse monoclonal anti-CD 20 antibody directed against mature human B cells. Depresses the number of B-lymphocytes and decreases antibody production.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

James L Harper, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Associate Chairman for Education, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University School of Medicine; Director, Continuing Medical Education, Children's Memorial Hospital; Pediatric Director, Nebraska Regional Hemophilia Treatment Center

James L Harper, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Cancer Research, American Federation for Clinical Research, American Society of Hematology, American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics, and Hemophilia and Thrombosis Research Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Gary R Jones, MD  Associate Medical Director, Clinical Development, Berlex Laboratories

Gary R Jones, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Western Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Gary D Crouch, MD  Program Director of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship, Department of Pediatrics, Associate Professor, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Gary D Crouch, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American Society of Hematology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Samuel Gross, MD  Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida; Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina; Adjunct Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University

Samuel Gross, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for Cancer Research, American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Max J Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA  Senior Vice President, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center; Professor of Medicine, Oncology, and Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine; Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Max J Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for Cancer Research, American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Blood smear showing spherocytic and agglutinated RBCs.
 
 
 
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