Dose-Related Levodopa-Induced Haemolytic Anaemia

  1. FOLKE D. LINDSTRÖM, M.D.;
  2. GUDRUN LIEDÉN, M.D.; and
  3. MARGARETA S. ENGSTRÖM, M.D.
  1. Linköping
    , Sweden

    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

    • ▸From the Department of Internal Medicine and the Blood Centre, University Hospital; Linköping, Sweden.

    • ▸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.

      • Received April 7, 1976.
      • Accepted December 17, 1976.
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