Red-cell sensitization in myelofibrosis

Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), elevated RBC-Ig of the IgG and IgM class were found in 8 of 14 patients with idiopathic myelofibrosis. In 2 patients with high levels of RBC-Ig the direct Coombs' test was positive. It is supposed that immune haemolysis may contribute to the anaemia in some patients with idiopathic myelofibrosis.