Mycoplasma pneumonia was rarely complicated with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia: 1 case and literature review

Objective To investigate the clinical features and treatment approaches for adults with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) secondary to mycoplasma pneumonia (MP).Methods A case of MP complicated with AIHA admitted to the Department of Hematology at Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University was reported. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of the patient based on her diagnosis and treatment process, along with relevant literature retrieved from Wanfang and PubMed.Results The patient was diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia complicated by hemolytic anemia. After receiving anti-infection and immunosuppressive treatments, the jaundice gradually resolved, and the patient's anemic condition improved. The Chest X-ray showed that the inflammation in the left lung was absorbed. Routine blood tests showed an increase in hemoglobin (HGB) levels. The patient was discharged in a good condition.We reviewed 15 cases of AIHA secondary to MP from domestic and international sources, with a median age of 34 years, including 6 males and 9 females. Most patients achieved a complete recovery, one case experienced residual neurological impairment, one developed pulmonary embolism, two had concomitant hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and one patient succumbed to severe multi-organ failure.Conclusions The occurrence of MP associate with AIHA is extremely rare. When unexplained anemia, jaundice, and peripheral circulatory failure occur, caution should be exercised for the development of hemolytic anemia. Early treatment leads to a better prognosis for most of the patients, while a few may experience severe complications that result in death.