PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The doctors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh have claimed that blood transfusion is not mandatory in every case of anaemia.
The head of department of General Medicine department of AIIMS- Rishikesh, Dr Ravi Kant said that while blood transfusion is required in many cases, autoimmune anaemia responds best to accurate diagnosis and medical therapy. Anaemia is characterised by reduced haemoglobin, leading to fatigue, weakness, dizziness and breathlessness. Nutritional deficiencies and blood loss remain common causes with a higher risk in children, pregnant women and the elderly.
He said that recently, a 55-year-old woman from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh came to the institute with severe anaemia and systemic symptoms. Despite multiple prior transfusions, she had no sustained benefit. Detailed investigations revealed macrocytic hyper-proliferative anaemia with evidence of hemolysis, suggestive of autoimmune hemolytic anaemia.
Dr Kant said that immuno-haematological evaluation confirmed warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia with severe folate deficiency. Cause-based treatment with steroids, folate and supportive therapy was initiated, avoiding unnecessary blood transfusion. The patient’s haemoglobin improved from 4.4 to 8.2 g/dL, and she recovered within days.
He emphasised the need for greater public awareness regarding anaemia and informed that the department of General Medicine will soon start a dedicated Anaemia Clinic for wider public benefit and mass awareness.
