Rituximab plus glucocorticoids led to sustained disease remission in an older woman who developed cold agglutinin disease (CAD) and severe kidney disease after receiving long-term immunosuppressive treatment for two other autoimmune diseases, a study shows. “Rituximab combined with glucocorticoids led to a prompt and marked improvement in anemia…
Discussion
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with rituximab and bendamustine infusions. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. Last in a series. Read parts one and two. The last crack of lightning started the…
Rituximab helped improve signs and symptoms of cold agglutinin disease (CAD) occurring alongside acquired hemophilia A, another autoimmune blood disorder, in a 53-year-old man in China, a case report describes. In CAD, the immune system mistakenly attacks red blood cells, while in acquired hemophilia A, it targets factor…
A new case series urges clinicians to keep cold agglutinin disease (CAD) on their radar when treating elderly patients with unexplained anemia. Researchers say that because the rare autoimmune condition often occurs with “clinically subtle” or atypical symptoms, it can easily be missed, delaying essential treatment for underlying causes…
Discussion
Editor’s note: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. Internationally, find a suicide prevention…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
CAD is characterized by autoantibodies, called cold agglutinins, binding to and activating the destruction of red blood cells when exposed to cold temperatures.
Symptoms of CAD include fatigue, Raynaud’s syndrome, joint pain, jaundice or skin discoloration, and heart problems. These symptoms can worsen with more cold exposure.
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