Abstract
A 45-year-old man with Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia induced by α-methyldopa therapy for 21 months duration was described.
The clinical picture consisted of slight jaundice and splenomegaly. The laboratory examination disclosed Hb 11.6 g/dl, RBC 3.06×106/mm3, reticulocyte 17.2%, serum bilirubin 6.4 mg/dl, erythroid hyperplasia of bone marrow (M: E 0.4), and positive direct and indirect Coombs tests.
The immunoglobulin class of the Coombs antibody was IgG of both κ and λ type, and Rh antigen specificity was not demonstrated.
The withdrawal of α-methyldopa brought a gradual improvement of anemia and jaundice, and the Coombs test became negative 368 days later.
