Danazol Therapy for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Abstract

The use of danazol was evaluated in 15 patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia of the warm antibody type. Danazol, 600-800 mg/d, was added to previous regimens or given initially in conjunction with high-dose prednisone treatment. Twelve patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with nonmalignant disorders or idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia and 1 of 3 patients with underlying neoplasms showed a rise in hematocrit within 1-3 wk. Thereafter, glucocorticoid doses were tapered to a minimum requirement or stopped. Once remission was sustained, the dose of danazol was reduced to 200-400 mg/d. Although levels of erythrocyte-bound IgG antibody and [complement] C3 decreased with therapy, only the decrease in C3 was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in this limited study. Danazol was effective regardless of the severity of the disorder and success or failure of previous treatments. Danazol is valuable in the treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and may be better suited than glucocorticoids for long-term management.