Detection and significance of Donath-Landsteiner antibodies in a 5-year-old female presenting with hemolytic anemia

Abstract

Donath-Landsteiner (DL) antibodies are immunoglobulins formed in response to a viral, bacterial, or spirochete infection and are capable of inducing Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria (PCH), an autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In the past, PCH was most commonly associated with syphilitic infections; however, now it is more frequently identified as a sequela in pediatric patients with upper respiratory infections. The authors present a case of a 5-year-old female who presented with hemolytic anemia and was subsequently diagnosed with PCH.