Transient Haemolytic Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia in a Healthy Young Adult Following Influenza A Infection
Recommended Citation
Tareen H, Tahir HB, Ahmed H, Rizwan Siddiqi A, Ethakota J, Bai S, and Malik D. Transient Haemolytic Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia in a Healthy Young Adult Following Influenza a Infection. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2025;12(11):005829.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2025
Publication Title
Eur J Case Rep Intern Med
Keywords
Evans syndrome; Influenza A; haemolytic anaemia; immune cytopenia; thrombocytopenia
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Influenza A can trigger rare haematologic complications such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and haemolytic anaemia, most commonly in paediatric or immunocompromised populations. We describe a case of post-influenza immune cytopaenias in a previously healthy adult.
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 22-year-old male presented with fever, haematuria and malaise after influenza A infection. Laboratory workup revealed severe thrombocytopenia, anaemia (haemoglobin 11.7 g/dl, haematocrit 34.1%), elevated reticulocyte count (3.7%, absolute 99 ×10
DISCUSSION: The patient demonstrated an Evans-like presentation likely triggered by post-viral immune dysregulation. Although schistocytes raised concern for thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), the absence of neurologic findings, progressive renal failure, and the need for plasma exchange or complement blockade made TMA unlikely. Unlike most similar reports requiring IVIG or plasmapheresis, this case resolved fully with steroids.
CONCLUSION: This case highlights the need to consider immune cytopaenias in otherwise healthy individuals following influenza A and supports early steroid intervention.
LEARNING POINTS: Influenza A can precipitate Evans-like immune cytopaenias even in previously healthy young adults, a population not typically considered at risk for such haematologic complications.The presence of schistocytes can raise concern for thrombotic microangiopathy, but the absence of progressive renal or neurologic involvement should prompt consideration of immune-mediated cytopaenias. Early recognition and corticosteroid initiation can result in complete recovery without intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), rituximab or plasmapheresis, underscoring the importance of maintaining diagnostic vigilance in post-viral cytopaenias.
PubMed ID
41229639
Volume
12
Issue
11
First Page
005829
Last Page
005829
