Cold agglutinin is associated with what type of anemia?

Cold agglutinin is specifically associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In this condition, cold agglutinins (which are usually IgM antibodies) bind to red blood cells at lower temperatures, leading to their agglutination and subsequent destruction by the immune system. This can result in hemolysis, where the body breaks down its own red blood cells, leading to anemia.

In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the occurrence of cold agglutination can be triggered by infections, certain malignancies, or as a primary autoimmune process. The hemolysis caused by this mechanism is often characterized by an increase in indirect bilirubin levels, decreased haptoglobin, and an increased reticulocyte count, indicating the body’s attempt to produce more red blood cells to compensate for the loss.

The other types of anemia listed do not typically involve cold agglutinins. Iron-deficiency anemia relates to lack of iron for hemoglobin synthesis; aplastic anemia involves failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate blood cells; and hemolytic uremic syndrome primarily affects the kidneys and is not related to cold agglutinin activity.