The Direct Antiglobulin Test for Evaluating Anemia

Abstract

A 68-year-old woman with Rai stage 0 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presented with a 2-day history of dyspnea on exertion. She reported no cough, chest pain, orthopnea, leg swelling, or viral-like symptoms. Her temperature was 36.8°C, heart rate 102/min, respiratory rate 22/min, and blood pressure 124/76 mm Hg. She had conjunctival pallor and scleral icterus, but no lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, or ecchymosis. Results of initial laboratory testing are presented in the Table . Answer D. The patient has warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia.