A patient on α-methyldopa may develop a type of drug-induced immune hemolysis that mimics what condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

α-methyldopa can cause drug-induced immune hemolysis which presents similar to Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (WAIHA). This is because the drug induces the production of warm-reactive autoantibodies that are directed against red blood cell antigens, leading to their destruction. Therefore, the patient may present with anemia, jaundice, and an elevated reticulocyte count, which are similar to the features seen in WAIHA, although the drug-induced hemolysis is typically milder and resolves after discontinuation of the drug.

A Patient on α-Methyldopa May Develop a Type of Drug-Induced