Breaking the heat: managing steroid refractory warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

This article describes a case of warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (w-AIHA) in a 16-month-old refractory to first-line treatment. W-AIHA typically responds to systemic corticosteroids. Here, management proved challenging with re-emergence of haemolysis during initial steroid course. Rituximab offered a turning point, demonstrating the utility of targeted anti-CD20 antibody therapy in achieving a sustained haematological response. The patient's clinical course was not without further complications potentially attributable to treatments administered. This paper reviews the management of w-AIHA, beyond steroid therapy, with an additional focus on supportive care measures.