Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

A type of protein modification called glycosylation is associated with higher levels of disease-causing antibodies in cold agglutinin disease (CAD), new research suggests. The findings highlight the role that antibody modifications play in antibody-driven diseases like CAD, researchers said. The study, “In from the cold: M‐protein…

The burden of disease among people with primary cold agglutinin disease (CAD) remains high multiple years after diagnosis, illustrating the unmet needs of these patients, new data from a large U.S. Electronic Health Record (EHR) database shows. The data were shared in a presentation, titled “Longitudinal…

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) disease negatively affects a variety of aspects of daily living, with patients often experiencing fatigue, according to new research. In a separate study, it was found that CAD patients appear to be at an increased risk of anxiety or depression. Researchers from Sanofi…

People with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) — a type of blood cancer — that co-occurs with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) have a poor prognosis, suggesting a need for further research into this rare combination of conditions, a case report highlights. The case was reported at the 2020 Lymphoma,…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s RareLaunch training program will host two days of free virtual workshops in December, with the aim of empowering leaders to start non-profit organizations and research programs to help people with rare diseases.  “The RareLaunch program is…

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series of surveys found. The surveys were conducted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and involved more than 800…

The case of an infant who developed cold agglutinin disease (CAD) shortly after being vaccinated suggests that intravenous immunoglobulin may be an effective treatment for young children with the autoimmune disorder, according to a new report. The report, “Cold agglutinin disease in an infant: remission after intravenous…

Treatment with the cancer immunotherapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab) can lead to the development of cold agglutinin disease (CAD), the case of a lung cancer patient demonstrates. The report, “Pembrolizumab-Induced Cold Agglutinin Disease,” was published in the American Journal of Case Reports. While the immune system…

Therapies that contain Rituximab may be effective for people with cold agglutinin disease (CAD), a study suggests. The study, “Rituximab-containing therapy for cold agglutinin disease: a retrospective study of 16 patients,” was published in Scientific Reports. CAD is caused by cold agglutinins — a…

A case report from Michigan suggests that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could cause cold agglutinin disease (CAD). Results showed that appropriate treatment, including folic acid and a steroid, lowered inflammation and nearly corrected levels of blood cells. The report, “Cold agglutinin disease and autoimmune hemolytic…