Red blood cell transfusion in autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Purpose of review Transfusion, in the setting of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, can be a complicated and potentially dangerous proposition. Recent findings The selection and delivery of an appropriate red blood cell unit must focus on several areas: (1) the laboratory detection of the autoantibody, (2) the detection of clinically significant red blood cell alloantibodies potentially masked by the autoantibodies, and (3) the selection and delivery of appropriate, although potentially incompatible, units. In addition, alternatives to red blood cell transfusion, specifically red blood cell substitutes, may also play an important role in the clinical treatment of these patients in the future. Summary In this article, we will review the most recent developments in the transfusion management of patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, specifically focusing on published articles between the period of May 2002 to April 2003.