The Use of Heparin in Autoimmune Hemolytic Disease

Seven patients with various forms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia weretreated with parenteral heparin. A therapeutic failure resulted in all instances.Heparin therapy did not induce a clinical response or reduce the magnitude ofhemolysis. There was no demonstrable in vivo or in vitro effect of this drugon direct and indirect antiglobulin and bromelin tests. Serum complementlevels and the degree of erythrocyte mobility were unaffected by heparin during the therapeutic trial.

Submitted on July 8, 1969 Accepted on November 25, 1969