Possible mechanisms for intravenous immunoglobulin–associated hemolysis: clues obtained from review of clinical case reports

It is known that high-dose IVIG given to non-O blood group patients with underlying inflammatory and/or immune-mediated disorders is associated with increased risk of hemolysis. This review reveals additional patient characteristics in cases of IVIG-associated hemolysis, including underrepresentation of D- and group B cases, higher incidence in pediatric Kawasaki disease and unique at-risk patient groups including allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients with group A donor in a group O recipient, and patients in whom soluble AB substance is removed by plasma exchange at the same time as receiving IVIG.