Dose-Related Levodopa-Induced Haemolytic Anaemia
Abstract
A 71-year-old white man developed direct antiglobulin positive haemolytic anaemia after 16 months of levodopa therapy for Parkinson's disease. Immunoglobulin G autoantibodies directed against Rh antigens were found in the patient's serum and on his erythrocytes. Reduction of levodopa dosage to one sixth with the aid of a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (benserazide) largely eliminated autoimmune haemolysis while maintaining adequate control of neurologic symptoms.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Department of Internal Medicine and the Blood Centre, University Hospital; Linköping, Sweden.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Folke D. Lindström, M.D.; Department of Medicine, University of Linköping School of Medicine; 581 85 Linköping, Sweden.
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- Received April 7, 1976.
- Accepted December 17, 1976.
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