Role of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Resolution of Hyperhemolysis in a Patient Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) Diagnosed with Paroxysmal Cold Haemoglobinuria: A Case Report”

Abstract

Paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria (PCH) is an acquired cause of haemolytic anaemia. It is caused by the biphasic IgG antibodies that sensitize and attach the red cells at lower temperature; detach and rebind on rewarming. Donath-Landsteiner antibody test is the diagnostic test for PCH. Management of PCH mainly includes supportive care but sometimes disease becomes severe and life-threatening. We describe a similar severe and life-threatening case of PCH who was managed by plasma exchange followed by packed red cell transfusion.