Summary
A 50-year-old woman with primary biliary cirrhosis developed immune hemolytic anemia and renal failure while receiving rifampicin for the treatment of refractory pruritus. Serological studies revealed the presence of rifampicin-dependent antibodies of the IgM class that, when tested against a wide panel of erythrocytes, had anti-I specificity. Subsequently, rifampicin was withdrawn and prednisone treatment instituted, this resulting in a rapid resolution of the hemolysis, whereas hemodialysis was required for recovery of the renal function. A role is suggested for the anti-I specificity of the antibodies in the development of renal failure associated with rifampicin therapy.
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This work was partially supported by grant FISS 90/0486 from theMinisterio de Sanidad y Consumo of Spain
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Pereira, A., Sanz, C., Cervantes, F. et al. Immune hemolytic anemia and renal failure associated with rifampicin-dependent antibodies with anti-I specificity. Ann Hematol 63, 56–58 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01714964
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01714964