Autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with adult-onset Still's disease

Abstract

A 37-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in March 1995 because of high fever and cervical lymph node swelling. She had received prednisolone (PSL) therapy for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Laboratory examinations revealed increased serum levels of liver enzymes and C-reactive protein. Levels of rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibody were within normal limits. On the basis of these criteria, she was diagnosed as having adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD). Although her fever ameliorated and physical symptoms disappeared immediately after a moderate dose of PSL, hemolysis recurred when attempts were made to reduce or withdraw the steroid. The patient is now receiving low-dose PSL therapy and is free of AIHA and AOSD.