Prevalence of IgA antired blood cell autoantibodies as observed through direct antiglobulin test

IgA antired blood cell autoantibodies (Abs) alone or associated with IgG Abs and/or complement molecules are rarely observed in case of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). A systematic search of these Abs has been performed with a direct antiglobulin test (DAT) containing anti-IgG, -IgM, -IgA, -C3c and -C3d Abs. When positive results were obtained with anti-IgA Abs, a second DAT was performed with other anti-IgA Abs. As from July 13th 2006 to February 28th 2007, of 1063 tests, 172 (16.2%) were found positive and 10 (5.8%) had IgA bound Abs. They were alone in two cases, associated with IgG Abs in one case and with both IgG Abs and complement in seven cases. A systematic use of anti-IgA Abs in DAT would allow to improve the diagnosis of ANA and on a larger scale to have a better understanding of their role. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.