Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in children.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia may represent an acute medical emergency. The anemia is normocytic normochromic and is usually associated with an elevated reticulocyte count. The diagnosis is confirmed by positive direct and indirect Coombs tests. Treatment consists of blood transfusion if the anemia is life-threatening. Steroids promote a decrease in the serum immunoglobulin level and block binding of antibody to the red blood cell. Splenectomy is reserved for those patients who fail to respond to steroids.