Two cases of idiopathic acquired hemolytic anemia have been presented. Following splenectomy and the administration of hormones intermittently for 4 months one has had a complete remission lasting 5 years. This patient had spherocytosis and increased osmotic fragility. The second child, apparently identical except for normal erythrocyte fragility and absence of spherocytosis, has been asymptomatic for 12 months after similar therapy, although the Coombs test remains positive.
The course during hormonal therapy in these patients and in others already reported in the literature suggests with the reservations discussed, that the treatment is of some value.
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