Immunohemolytic Anemia Due to Antipenicillin Antibodies

Abstract

HEMOLYTIC anemia with a positive direct antiglobulin test is generally considered to be the result of autoimmunization. In a few cases, however, sensitization to drugs has been demonstrated to be the underlying mechanism of this disorder. Stibophen (Fuadin)¹ and quinidine,² for example, have been identified as haptens that can result in immunohemolytic anemia. Penicillin hypersensitivity has also been associated with hemolytic anemia, but the role of penicillin antibodies in this disease has not been definitely established.^{3 4 5} The purpose of this report is to describe a case of immunohemolytic anemia in which circulating antipenicillin antibodies were directly involved.MethodsRoutine hematologic . . .